MISSION STATEMENT As a parish family of

St. Francis de Sales Church, we are

commi ed to stewardship as our way

of life. We place God first in all things.

Centered in the real presence of Jesus

in the Eucharist, we devote ourselves to

proclaim the Gospel. We are dedicated

to grow as a faith community to

holiness through prayer, sacraments

and service to all God’s people.

St. Francis de Sales Church 614 Route 517, Vernon, NJ 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 785, McAfee, NJ 07428 Telephone: 973‐827‐3248 www.s rancisvernon.org 

We Invite You to Celebrate Eucharist: Saturday (Vigil): 5:00 PM Sunday 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Morning Mass: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM Saturday (Memorial Mass) 8:30 AM

Holy Days : 7:00 AM 8:30 AM 7:30 PM

Reconcilia on: Saturday 4:00– 4:45 PM

Adora on :   First Friday 9:00AM ‐ 9:00PM Subsequent Fridays 9:00AM ‐ 12:00PM

________________________________

Served By:  Rev. Brian P. Quinn, Pastor 

Deacon Dennis Gil  

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

December 27, 2015 Beloved, we are God’s children now;

what we shall be has not yet been revealed. — 1 John 3:2a

FAMILY LIFE

Family life is sacred, but it is not without tri-al. Perhaps this is the most important message we can glean from today’s readings. If Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can trip up sometimes—can disconnect—then we shouldn’t find it surprising when such things happen to us as well. And par-ents everywhere (children, too) can probably re-late to—and take some solace in—the Gospel’s account of Mary and Joseph after Jesus ex-plained why he stayed behind in the temple. They heard his words, Luke tells us, “But they did not understand what he said to them” (Luke 2:50). Amen! Nevertheless, Jesus does go back home with them, and continues to thrive under their care. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Page Two December 27, 2015

26‐ Saturday 8:30 AM Saturday Memorial Mass 5:00 PM Nancy Cabot req by The Crites Family 27‐ Sunday 8:00 AM Leonard Scarano req by Alice Fieldhouse 10:00 AM Peter Finn req by Peggy Whitson 12:00 PM George Balbi req by Jim & Jeane e Naughton

28‐ Monday 8:30 AM Inten ons of Fred Di Mar no

29‐ Tuesday 8:30 AM People of the Parish

30‐ Wednesday 8:30 AM For the Inten ons of Sean O’Connell req by Joanne & Ed Connell 31‐ Thursday New Year’s Eve 8:30 AM Amisa & Audrey Gilpatrick req by Maggie & Greg Sheehan 5:00 PM People of the Parish 01‐ Friday New Year’s Day 10.00 AM James Corbe 02‐ Saturday 8:30 AM Saturday Memorial Mass 5:00 PM George Post req by The Gaughan Family 03‐ Sunday 8:00 AM Ellen Hollar req by Eucharis c Ministers 10:00 AM Renate Parascand req by The Stengel Family 12:00 PM Ellen Hollar req by the Piccirillo Family

 

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk

2:22-35 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk

2:36-40 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13; Jn

1:1-18 Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal

4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

SATURDAY MEMORIAL MASS The 8:30AM Saturday Mass during the month of December will be offered for the souls of : Clara Borst, Frank DeFazio, Ellen Hollar, Cath‐erine & Edward DeYoung, Stephen Fava, Cyril F. McGranahan, Marion & Albert Sinforosa,

Jennifer Young

 

Adora on Times:  First Friday: 9:00AM ‐ 9:00 PM

Subsequent Fridays 9:00 AM ‐ Noon       There will be NO Adora on on                                     New Year’s  Day  

Sat., Jan. 2, 2016, 5:00 PM B1 Ann Leavitt Marie Snow Matt Kubik C1 Kelly Leavitt Janet Kubik Mike Kubik B2 Kathy Zayatz C2 Bob Snow C3 Chuck McGill C4 Diane McNulty B3 Frank McNulty Sun., Jan 3, 2016, 8:00 AM B1 Kathy Brady Ami Byra Sara Mazzella C1 Deacon Dennis Hal Avery Kaitlin Tompkins B2 Paul Contreri C2 Claire Schmidt C3 Janice Tanguay C4 Rich Englert B3 Dennis Tanguay 10:00 AM B1 Debbie Gonzalez Diane Wyborski Brittany Gaule C2 Bea Harrigan Jill Marchesani Luca Ondris B2 Sergio Gonzalez C2 Ken Mahouchick C3 Janet Redyke C4 Carolyn Kelly B3 Joan Stellingwerf XC Linda Stengel 12:00 Noon B1 Gen Miller Isabel Lazo Alexandra Pisapia C1 Roger Gengaro Bob Kusma Faith Pisapia B2 Maureen Carr C2 Chris Gaule C3 Bob Springer C4 Joan Gengaro B3 John Oroho

January 2 - 3, 2016

December 27, 2015 Page Three

Please Pray for those who are sick, especially: Michael Acce a, Eddie Becker, Beatrice Bico, Kathy Boehm, Melinda Borst, Brian Braun, Kevin Braun, Marilyn Burnham, Lillian Brune , Baby Solly Chait, Kris Chmara, Stanley Chmara, Meg Cleary, Sean Connell, Janiece Contreri, Kelly Cusack,

Laure Di Domenico, Fred Di Mar no, Raymond Diemer, Baby Evie Dixon, Robert A. Drogo, Lisa Merck Edwing, Edward P. Farrell, Doug Flannery, Peter Ganzer, Margaret Guiton, Bob Haley, Gerhard Hartung, Greg Holowach, Ruth Hubmaster, Gary Kolalowski, Anne Kolibas, Joseph Kolibas, Joe Kunz, Linda Kunz, Ryan Lambert, Janet Macaluso, Carol McDonald, James Mc Donald, Maureen McDonald, Kim McGovern, Tom McGranahan, Charles McGillick, Marlene Monforte, Michael, Devon Parrish, Nadine Porter, Bernice Regan, Harold Rowan, Stephen Smith, Sara Snyder, Alison Walters Soder‐berg, Denis Tanguay, Sr., Adrienne Teel, Madeline Thall, Norman Trass, Brian Walters, Fr. Fred Walters, Patricia We erlind, Brenna Whitson, Emma Marie Wyman, Rob Zimmerer

 

Thanks to the many envelope users !   

For our parishioners who contribute electronically, the next upcoming special collection is: January 1, 2016 Solemnity of Mary

  

What shall I return to the Lord for all He has given?”   ‐Psalm 116:12    

 Note from the Bookkeeper:  Contributions for 2015 must be 

received by the office no later that January 5th, in order to be included on your 2015 statement.  Statements will be mailed 

in January to all who contributed  $100. or more in their     envelopes during 2015,  If you have any questions call Terry 

on Mondays at 973‐827‐3248 x 125  

  

STEWARDSHIP OF  OUR TREASURE 

Penny Social

Did you know the average cost to educate one seminarian in the United States each year is over $31,500? In order to offset the cost to these seminarians and postulants, the Columbiettes have a program called Heaven Cents. Each month we save our pennies, loose change, and sometimes our quiet money (dollar bills) and donate this to our program. During the month of January we are challenging you, our parishioners, to get involved and join us in our quest to help offset these educa-tion expenses. We are asking you to save your Heaven Cents and bring these to the Penny Social which will be a fun event held the weekend of Jan. 30th - 31st after all the Mass-es. Please drop off your donations in the Parish Life Center and plan on spending some time with us, enjoying some hospitality as our thanks to you. We will also have activities for the chil-dren. Hope to see you there!

Janet Tussey (973) 875-9880

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION This New Year’s Eve, at the turning of the year, you may catch a glimpse of the old year, a cartoon figure of a hunched old man with a sickle, Father Time. Where else but in this column could you learn that this is in fact a pope? December 31 was in the old calendar the feast of St. Sylvester. Legend says that Sylvester healed the Em-peror Constantine of leprosy, and presided at the liturgy of baptism for the grateful emperor. In 314, he was cho-sen pope, and it fell to him to organize the peacetime church, free at last from persecution. He founded the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. In northern Europe “Sylvester Night” is a time of great parties with eating, dancing, and singing—recalling perhaps the joy of the church in the fresh air of Sylvester’s papacy. In Poland, there was great fear as the year 1000 approached that an immense dragon would devour the earth and set fire to the heavens. The people prayed earnestly to St. Sylvester, trusting that the saint would not permit such suffering on his feast day. They’ve been celebrating ever since! Many New Year’s customs have pagan roots, like the British “First Footer” tradition. The idea is that the first person setting foot into your house in the new year determines the luck for the year ahead. The ideal first footer was not a bit like old Pope Sylvester, but rather a tall, dark-haired man carrying the right gift. A handsome first footer meant the year ahead would be pleasant, and if he carried bread or a shovel of coal there would be food and warmth in the future. Who will be your house-hold’s first footer? —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Happiness

Happiness is not something we are given, but rather, something that results from the way we live. Happiness is a gift that comes from within; it comes from a life of generous giving of self. At the heart of achieving happiness is being what we all are called to be - grateful givers- sharing what we have received with the church and the poor.

~Francis Scholtz- Diocese of St. Augustine~

Page Four December 27, 2015

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE 

Please “Like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/StfrancisVernon

26‐ Saturday 9:00‐10:15 AM NO Religious Educa on 11:00 AM AA (SCB)

27 ‐ Sunday 10:00 AM Children’s Liturgy

28‐ Monday

29‐Tuesday No Religious Educa on Classes

30 ‐ Wednesday

31‐ Thursday

01 ‐ Friday 10:00 AM Mass ‐ Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Holy Day of Obliga on No Adora on New Year’s Day‐ Parish Office Closed

02‐ Saturday 9:00‐10:15 AM NO Religious Educa on 11:00 AM AA (SCB)

03 ‐ Sunday 10:00 AM Children’s Liturgy An och Retreat Team (YR)

Gift Shop News Don’t miss out on our Gift

Shop’s AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE!

All Advent and Christmas items are now 20% OFF. Is your Advent ring looking old? Is there someone you forgot to buy a gift for? The best place to shop is local, right here at our church.

Stewardship Reflections Feast of the Holy Family

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1) During the season of giving, let us remember the most important gift we have received - being children of God. As God’s chil-dren, it’s important that we express our love for others as well. Tell your spouse, children, and other family members and friends that you love them frequently.

PRAY ~ SHARE ~ SERVE ~ LOVE

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which He looks with com-

passion on this world. Yours are the hands with which

He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the

feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body.

Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

- St. Teresa of Avila

Thank You to Our Parishioners For Your Generosity

To the many volunteers in our various ministries may we offer our sincere thank you for all you contribute to our Steward-ship Way of Life. Through your sacrifice of time, talent, and treasure, many lives have been touched. Just as the Kings brought their finest gifts to place before the infant, we too place ourselves before Jesus and offer the gifts of our steward-ship. As faithful stewards we present our-selves, as community, to God, the Giver of all gifts. May Jesus touch your hearts this Christmas and may His peace stay with you through out the New Year .

December 27, 2015 Page Five

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Baptismal Prep Class: Please call Cathy in the office to register for the January Class. Date TBA. Note: NO Baptisms are scheduled to take place during LENT.

New Parishioner Meeting–Next meeting is in Boland Hall on January 24, 2016 following the 10:00 AM Mass. Call Parish office- Cathy (973) 827-3248 X 198.

7 & 8 Grade (10 Hours per Year) H.S. (40 Hours in 2 years) See Bulletin Boards

Second Grade - Sacramental Preparation

“Together With Jesus” Time: 10:00 AM Mass

Sunday, January 10, 2016 February 7, 2016

April 23, 2016 - Jesus Day

What is FORMED ? It’s for you!

FORMED is an exciting new program that St. Francis de Sales has subscribed till next Fall. You will have access to the best CATHOLIC teaching videos, books and audio talks to deepen

your relationship with Christ and his Church. ALL IN ONE PLACE!

Go to www.FORMED.org. Scroll to “ Does your Parish already have formed?” and enter the Parish Code : RX7GDK and then sign in by creating your own login password. (Don’t forget to write it down) Explore !

Mom to Mom Ministry is looking for a Babysitter.

When: Thursday mornings 10am-12 noon, Where: St. Francis What: to watch the children in a separate room during their meeting. Paid position.

Please call Jen Remington with inquiries.(973) 906-2398

ANTIOCH RETREAT ADULT HELP NEEDED

Adults are needed to help chaperone (Stay Awake) for the overnight portion of our upcoming Antioch Retreat

Weekend - January 16, 2016.

Arrival time on Saturday, January 16th is 10:00PM Departure time on Sunday Morning is 8:00 AM

We will provide the coffee!

**Must be Compliant with Protecting God’s Children

If you are a nurse or EMT we need you too!!

Please contact Melory in Rel. Ed. Office: (973)827-3248 x 249 Or email: melory@stfrancisvernon.org

Donations Needed: Our Parish will be doing a BREAKFAST RUN in January.

Volunteers will go into NYC early Sunday morning, providing a warm breakfast and gifting the homeless with New Dark Sweatshirts

and T-Shirts( Lrg or XL) Drop off in the old Social

Hall on or before Jan 4, 2016. Please label it

“Breakfast Run”

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Join us during the 10:00 AM Mass.

Open to Children: Ages 4 years through 4th Grade.

The readings and gospels are presented on the children’s level with an activity booklet.

THE NAME FOR GOD Mother is the name for God on the lips and in the

hearts of little children. —William Makepeace Thackeray

Next Weekend-Jan 2-3 2016 FOOD SIGN-UPS for ANTIOCH WEEKEND

In the Church Social Hall - Stop in and sign up to feed their stomach, while the weekend feeds their souls!

Page Six December 27, 2015

Sacred Heart Spirituality Center ~First Thursday Retreats

The retreats are the first Thursday of every month. Each month with a different topic. Open to

all. Registration begins at 9:00 AM and ends with a lunch at 1:00PM. Please RSVP to

Sr. Joanne at (973) 383-2620 or shretreatcenter@gmail.com .

This winter ….why not consider doing something for YOU !

Something for your heart-your soul- your spirit?

January 8-10, 2016 at the Sacred Heart Center in Newton Theme: “ God’s Mercy Through the Ages”

If you have never been on a Retreat- don’t be nervous! They are relaxing, and really invigorating to our minds, bodies and souls! Full Weekend 1/8/16 Friday 5:30 PM Dinner - Sun 1:00 PM $160.00

Saturday Only 8:00 AM-8:00 PM (3 meals) $60.00

Optional Massage- Extra- Book Directly (info on form)

Please send either the $35.00 Deposit or full payment by December 22nd. (Balance can be paid on arrival)

Make Checks payable to: Sacred Heart Center 20 Old Swartswood Rd, Newton, NJ 07860

Phone (973) 383-2620 Fax# (973) 383-3083 shretreatcenter@gmail.com www.sacredheartspiritualitycenter.org

Women’s Retreat

We have a great need for the fol-lowing staples for our Food Pantry. God bless you for your continued

generosity to those in need.

Canned Soup, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Cold Cereals, Hot

Cereals- Instant and Cooked. Tuna, Laundry Soap, COMPLETE Pancake Mix, Syrup. Mac & Cheese,

Toilet Paper, Juice Boxes.

PARISH OUTREACH 2015

You ...made 1530 rosaries that were sent or given to: Home and Hospital Ministry for their communion calls, Prayer Shawl Min-istry to accompany the shawls, Antioch Retreatants, children who made their First Communion, High School Seniors who attended our annual Baccalaureate Mass, Missions overseas.

You…. Crocheted 23 prayer shawls that were mailed or deliv-ered to the sick in the hospital or at home; or anyone in need of a “warm hug”.

You … made weekly communion visits to several homebound.

You ...sheltered and fed 8 homeless people in our Hospitality Suite through our participation in the Family Promise of Sussex County.

You… cooked and delivered 23 meals through our Outreach Ministry for Meals.

You… donated/cooked the food to feed 73 teenagers & adult volunteers during our Antioch Retreat Weekend.

You … donated 41,890 pounds of gently used clothing, bed-ding, shoes, and small household items through our partner-ship with Catholic Charities since May 2011.

You… helped 450 veterans navigate the VA system for claims and benefits through Chapter 1002 of Vietnam Veterans of America which meets here weekly at St. Francis de Sales.

You… helped feed 1290 families (3888 people) through your donations to our food pantry, distributing a total of 71,309 tons of food. .

You… donated food for 95 Thanksgiving Baskets which provide food for 265 people. You…. (7th, 8th & HS Students) worked 2200 hours of Community and Church Service hours. You … sponsored families in need, by providing over 650 gifts through our Parish Christmas Giving Tree. You … donated brown bag lunches, snacks, breakfast food and seasonal clothing for about 80 homeless in New York City through our Midnight Run and Breakfast Run Ministry. You… donated / supported our Parish Tricky Tray Fundraiser. You… donated all the items for our Religious Education Serv-A-Thon for students in Grades 1-6. The donations were delivered to the following charities: DASI, Birth Haven, Sunrise House, Samaritan Inn and Harvest House. In addition, the 5th Grade created and sent cards to our serviceman and women in Af-ghanistan, along with snacks and personal care items.

THANK YOU!