From the Pastor’s Desk

Stewardship Reflection… “...For everything is from you, and we only give you what we have received from you.” 1 Chronicles 29:14

December 10, 2017 -:- Second Sunday of Advent

The Church of Saint Theresa

As a parish we gave $ 7,351.00 as a Gift to God the weekend of December 2/3

An exciting time of the Year

Dear Parishioners,

Last Sunday we began the liturgical Season of Advent: certainly a very exciting time of the year which fills us with ineffable joy as we wait to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. In my 17 years as priest I have been involved in the life of many parishes, but I don’t know if any of them can match the level of activities projected for the coming weeks in St. Theresa’s. I think this is our beautiful way to express the desire to spend this time together as a family where there is room for everyone to share the joy of Christmas and to make sure that others may also participate in the same joy.

When we are together and celebrate together we anticipate to some extent the “new heaven and the new earth” prophesized by St. Peter in the portion of the second letter that is read in the liturgy of this Sunday. In the new heaven and new earth which God promised us through Jesus Christ all that belongs to the “old man” that is in us (such as selfishness, violence, discrimination, deception, malfeasance, hate, etc.) will disappear because everything will be purified like the gold is refined in a furnace. This beautiful kingdom requires a work of preparation which begins in a desert, like John the Baptist did: God will manifest Himself to those who are willing to go into the desert. So let me warmly encourage you and myself, in the busy schedule that we all have during this season, to make some time of desert, to make an effort to empty part of our time of all the superfluous activities that we usually do in order to be with the Lord alone. And in this personal dialogue with God let us take advantage of the Sacrament of reconciliation to experience the forgiving love of the Father for each one of us.

May this week and all the Advent be greatly fruitful for your spiritual life.

Fr. Giovanni

St. Theresa Reflection… To limit your desires and you hopes is to misunderstand God’s infinite goodness! St. Theresa

Second Sunday of Advent

Sunday Is 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

Monday Is 35:1-10; Lk 5:17-26

Tuesday Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab; Lk

1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47

Wednesday Is 40:25-31; Mt 11:28-30

Thursday Is 41:13-20; Mt 11:11-15

Friday Is 48:17-19; Mt 11:16-19

Saturday Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Second Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Isaiah emphasizes that from the desert to the mountains, all people must prepare for “the glory of the Lord to be revealed.” Rather than looking only at God’s power, Isaiah focuses on God’s kindness, comparing it to a shepherd who feeds and cares for his flock. Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14 For those who are impatient for the Second Coming, Peter explains that time is different to God than to people. He reminds them that they should be grateful for the extra time to prepare, and concentrate on striving to become all that God would want them to be. Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 In this passage, John the Baptist stressed the importance of the coming of the Messiah. He acknowledged that he was only the messenger, and unfit to “stoop and untie his sandal straps.” John urged them to prepare for one far holier than he, who would walk among them.

December 10,, 2017 -:- SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT THE CHURCH OF SAINT THERESA - PAGE 3

In Memoriam Host: Mattilda Fernando * Millie Galasso Wine: Domenica Cuppari * Friends Sanctuary Lamp: Mollie Vallorani * Connie Conrad Saturday, December 9 7:00 AM Bob Lingenfider * Rose Bisuna-Soo 9:00 AM Angelina Ferrante * Joanne D'Addio 5:30 PM Mary Spingola (8th Ann.) * Kay Gauer Sunday, December 10 7:30 AM Eileen Shea Baumer (2nd Ann.) * Carol & Bill Severage 9:00 AM Andy (Sonny) Strasko (2nd Ann.) * Sica & Phillips Families 9:00 AM Margaret & Pasquale Circelli * Marty & Patty Sica ?0:30 AM Aloysius Kuscavage (20th Ann.) * Family 12:00 PM Frank Grimaldi * Jo Cunningham 5:00 PM Josephine & Charlie Muia * Maria, Paul, Alex & Daniella Tsakos Monday, December 11 7:00 AM Rosie Michitsch (42nd Ann.) * Herb & Mary 9:00 AM Aguinaldo Family * Khristine 7:30 PM Maureen Rose Mancino * Arlene Vetter Tuesday, December 12 7:00 AM Anesia Cadiz * The Cunado Family 9:00 AM Elizabetha Pontoriero (Ann.) * The Calello Family Wednesday, December 13 7:00 AM Caterina Pugliese * The Shoblock Family 9:00 AM In Honor of St. Lucy * Calemme Family 7:30 PM Harry Zuk (44th Ann.) * Dolores & Marshall Graham Thursday, December 14 7:00 AM Tadeusz Bosak * Krakowski Family 9:00 AM Martin Joseph Flynn (54th Ann.) * Children Friday, December 15 7:00 AM Edward Gross * Estate 9:00 AM Michael J. LaFata (6th Ann.) * Mother, Claire Saturday, December 16 7:00 AM Reynaldo Guiao * Gonzales Family 9:00 AM Clare & Phil Martin * Godson, Kevin Killen 5:30 PM Franklin Peres (Ann.) * Joe & Lena Cardella & Family Sunday, December 17 7:30 AM Charles Fonseca * Canico Family 9:00 AM Winifred Kiselica * Harding 6th Grade Team 10:30 AM Mary Spingola (8th Ann.) * The Schultz Family 12:00 PM Gramegna & Valente Families * Family 5:00 PM Phil & Claire Martin * Godson, Kevin Killen

Christmas Concert Featuring The Redemptoris Mater Seminary

Where: St. Theresa’s Church

When: Wednesday, December 20th at 7:00pm (doors will open at 6:30pm)

Price:$20.00 Followed by fellowship and desserts in McVeigh Hall.

Tickets may be purchased after all Masses, or contact the Rectory 908-272-4444.

Breakfast with Santa Claus

This year, thanks to Fr Giovanni’s connections Santa Claus will be stopping by McVeigh Hall for “Breakfast with Santa Claus” on Sunday December 17th after the 9am AND the 10:30am Mass, Refreshments will be served...don’t forget your camera!!

On Wednesday, December 20th 7:30pm Mass and St. Jude Novena will be held in the Convent Chapel. Entrance is on North 21st Street.

Thank You From St. Joseph Social Service Center We are very grateful to all who donated food, money and time at Thanksgiving! Your generosity enabled us to provide turkeys with all the trimmings to nearly 700 families. Thank you so much for helping us to do God's work. Gratefully, the staff at St. Joseph's.

MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER 1651 U.S. Highway 22 Watchung, NJ 07069-6587 (908) 753-2091 * msmhope@msmhope.org Mount St. Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will offer the following programs.

Registration required; call 908-753-2091 or e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

YEAR END DAY OF PRAYER Spend this last day of the year reflecting on the many gifts God has bestowed on you. Day begins and ends with communal prayer. Bring bag lunch. Sun., Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ($20-$30 As You Are Able)

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Bulletin Articles DEADLINE is Monday 5pm prior to the Sunday. To submit information, drop off to the rectory marked Attention: Bulletin or email to stparish@thechurchofsttheresa.org

ST. THERESA LIL’ STALLIONS DAYCARE New Parents, come visit St. Theresa Lil’ Stallions Daycare for children aged 6 weeks to 36 months. Affordable, convenient, loving Salesian environment, secure and safe. Call the School Office to arrange a visit or for more information call 908-276-7220 or email www.mysts.org Are you a loving, caring, and nurturing person? Please consider being on our “SUBSTITUTE CARE GIVER LIST” at St. Theresa School Lil Stallions Day Care. No steady hours required; we would contact you if there is a need. If you are available, GREAT! If not, we would call you for the next opportunity. Please contact Sr. Lou Ann at St. Theresa School (908)276-7220 if you are interested. She will explain the requirements and discuss the possibilities with you.

December 10, 2017 -:- SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT THE CHURCH OF SAINT THERESA - PAGE 4

YOUTH MINISTRY High School Youth Ministry Program

Tonight all High School Students are invited to join us for our meeting at St. Michael’s. Doors open at 7pm tonight and we get started shortly after 7:30pm. All high school youth from both parishes are invited. Get the latest information about the Youth Ministry Program at www.stmtym.com You can also reach Rich at the Youth Ministry Office at 276-5990 or via email at rich@stmtym.com

Christmas Spectacular Sales

This weekend is the final weekend of the Youth Ministry Program’s sales – we will be selling Trees, Grave Covers and Wreaths at both St. Michael’s and St. Theresa’s. Hours are Saturday 9am till 7 pm, and Sunday 8am till 1:30 pm. For more information visit our website at www.stmtym.com

Living Nativity Planned Once again the Youth Ministry has made plans to present their “Living Nativity” on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The animals have been secured, and soon fencing will be put up at St. Theresa’s for the 20th annual Living Nativity. Join us all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as the animals will be out. Members of the High School Youth Ministry Program will be in costume after all the masses (4pm, 6pm and Midnight at St. Theresa’s) on Christmas Eve reenacting that scene that took place so many years ago in Bethlehem. Don’t forget your camera! Again we’d appreciate that you ONLY feed the animals

Candlelight Carol Sing The 47th annual Candlelight Carol Sing will be held at the Cathedral Basilica on Wednesday, December 13th and Thursday, December 14th, at 8:00pm (two performances). Doors open at 7:00pm both nights. Christmas music in nine languages will be sung by the Cathedral Choir with the assembly and will be accompanied by the great Cathedral organs and brass ensemble. Free-will donation. For more information call 973-484-2400, or visit: www.cathedralbasilica.org.

The 2019 Mass book will be open for Special Intention Masses, beginning December 4th.

December 15th (from 10:00am-12:00pm

and 5:00pm-8:00pm).

At this time no intentions will be taken in the Parish office for the 2019 Mass book: there will be someone available in the Cry room of the Church to receive your intentions presented in person. Upon your arrival in the Church you will be given a number: afterward, kindly sit comfortably in the Church as you wait for your number to be called. Only 15 intentions will be added at a time. All intentions received by mail or drop off will be entered after December 15th. As a general rule, only one intention per Mass is accepted: however, a memorial Mass in Italian with multiple intentions will be celebrated once a month, ordinarily on the First Friday of the month, at 6:30 pm ( unless conflicting events happen to be in the calendar).

The Giving Tree The Giving Tree is in the vestibule of the church. Please take a tag and return an Unwrapped gift(s) with the Tag by Sunday December 10, 2017. These gifts help make many Kenilworth families’ Christmas Merry!

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