From the Pastor’s Desk

Stewardship Reflection… “...For everything is from you, and we only give you what we have received from you.”

December 3, 2017 -:- First Sunday of Advent

The Church of Saint Theresa

As a parish we gave $ 6707.00 as a Gift to God the weekend of November 25/26

Dear Parishioners,

Some of you have expressed appreciation for my last column about the catechesis of the Holy Father on the Mass. I am publishing here the second part that he gave on November15, before he took off for his trip to Myanmar, probably the most difficult apostolic visitation since the beginning of his Pontificate. In this catechesis (that I can report here only partially, due to its length), the Holy Father speaks of what is prayer and the importance of silence in preparation and during Mass. Let us listen to him:

“We are continuing with the catecheses on the Holy Mass. To illustrate the beauty of the Eucharistic celebration, I would like to begin with a very simple aspect: Mass is prayer; rather, it is prayer par excellence, the loftiest, the most sublime, and at the same time the most “concrete”. In fact it is the loving encounter with God through his Word and the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is an encounter with the Lord.

But first we must answer a question. What truly is prayer? It is first of all a dialogue, a personal relationship with God. Man was created as a being in a personal relationship with God who finds his complete fulfillment only in the encounter with his Creator. The path of life leads toward the definitive encounter with the Lord. […]

When Moses, before the burning bush, receives God’s call, he asks Him His name. And how does God respond? ‘I am who I am’ (Ex 3:14). This expression, in its original sense, expresses presence and favor, and indeed, immediately afterwards God adds: ‘the Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob’ (cf. v. 15). Thus, when Christ calls his disciples, he, too, calls them so that they may be with Him. This indeed is the greatest grace: being able to feel that the Mass, the Eucharist, is the privileged moment to be with Jesus and, through him, with God and with brothers and sisters.

Praying, as every true dialogue, is also knowing how to be in silence — in dialogues there are moments of silence — in silence together with Jesus. When we go to Mass, perhaps we arrive five minutes early and begin to chat with the person next to us. But this is not the moment for small talk; it is the moment of silence to prepare ourselves for the dialogue. It is the moment for recollection within the heart, to prepare ourselves for the encounter with Jesus. Silence is so important! Remember what I said last week: we are not going to a spectacle, we are going to the encounter with the Lord, and silence prepares us and accompanies us. Pausing in silence with Jesus. From this mysterious silence of God springs his Word which resonates in our heart. Jesus himself teaches us how it is truly possible to ‘be’ with the Father and he shows us this with his prayer. The Gospels show us Jesus who withdraws to secluded places to pray; seeing his intimate relationship with God, the disciples feel the desire to be able to take part in it, and they ask him: ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ (Lk 11:1). […].”

Please, read the full catechesis on the Vatican website. Have a blessed week

Fr. Giovanni

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

First Sunday of Advent

Sunday Is 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk

13:33-37

Monday Is 2:1-5; Mt 8:5-11

Tuesday Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24

Wednesday Is 25:6-10a; Mt 15:29-37

Thursday Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27

Friday Gn 3:9-15, 20; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT First Reading: Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7 In this straightforward psalm, the people acknowledge their sinful ways, yet plead that their Creator might reveal himself to them. They ask God to remember, not their sins, but that “We are all the work of your hands.” Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Paul explains to the Corinthians that they are specially favored by God who has sent his only Son to them. He reminds us all that it was through God’s grace that we have been called to kinship with Christ. Gospel: Mark 13:33-37 Just as a servant watching over the master’s house does not know when he will return, we do not know the hour of the Second Coming. Mark reminds us of the warning from Jesus to always be on guard, for we know not the day nor the hour

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

In Memoriam Host: Matilda Fernando * Millie Galasso Wine: Frank Hannon * Connie Conrad Sanctuary Lamp: Frank Hannon * Connie Conrad Saturday, December 2 7:00 AM Mildred Chonko * Family 9:00 AM Yolanda & Frank Palmieri (Birthday) * AnnMarie, Bob & Christina Monahan 5:30 PM Octavia Schultz (2nd Ann.) * The Schultz Family Sunday, December 3 7:30 AM Ann Driscoll (22nd Ann.) * Daughters 9:00 AM Rosary Altar Society ?0:30 AM Francesco Calemme (4th Ann.) * Son, John & Family 12:00 PM William Dillon (11th Ann.) * Wife, JoAnn & Sons 3:00 PM Divine Mercy/Maria Lucia Messina * Domenica Cuppari 5:00 PM Louis & Edna Caravello * Judy & Matt Monday, December 4 7:00 AM Leonard Misuraca * Joe & Lina Cardella 9:00 AM All The Souls In Purgetory * Antonio & Maria Bispo 7:30 PM William Zinsky * Paulette & Tom Drogon & Family Tuesday, December 5 7:00 AM Francisco Manalac & Reginald Lewis (Birthday) * Capati Family 9:00 AM William Zinsky * Pat & Diane Jacques & Family 9:00 AM Pasquale Cuppari * Cuppari Family Wednesday, December 6 7:00 AM Maria Velez * Hilda Artesona 9:00 AM William Carolan (34th Ann.) * Helen Carolan 7:30 PM Jayden Thomas O'Connor * The O'Connor, Koski & Leone Families Thursday, December 7 7:00 AM Janet Neri * Dolly Garcia 9:00 AM John Rowinsky (30th Ann.) * Ken Rowinsky 7:30 PM Anna Castellani * Mary Russo Friday, December 8 (Immaculate Conception) 7:00 AM Reynaldo Guiao * Tessie 9:00 AM All The Souls In Purgetory * Antonio & Maria Bispo 12:00PM Girolmo Cuppari * Augustino Barritta & Family 3:30PM Francesco Bertolucci * Augustino Barritta & Family 7:30PM Charles Beurer * Wife, Betty Sue & Family 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 10:30 AM Aloysius Kuscavage (20th Ann.) * Family 12:00 PM Frank Grimaldi * Jo Cunningham 5:00 PM Josephine & Charlie Muia * Maria, Paul, Alex & Daniella Tsakos

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, starting November 5, or contact the Rectory 908-272-4444.

Adult Bible Study Continues! Join us on the dates listed below from 7:30 - 8:30 PM - we meet every other Monday night in Union, NJ for an hour of reflection on Holy Scripture. For more information or directions, please call John Tintera at (908) 265-6148 or Berndatte Kunz at (908) 964-5253. Our webpage is www.st-theresa-bible.com.

December 4 - Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi

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National Night of Prayer for Life

On December 8 from 9:00 pm to 12:05 pm our parish will participate in the National Night of Prayer for Life (prayer service consisting of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary, prayer to St. Michael, silent prayer and hymns.) The hours are chosen to coincide with Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to Juan Diego. (Any questions please contact Jessica at 908-687-3964)

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 mass AND the 10:30am. Refreshments will be served.. don’t forget your camera!!

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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.

Decamber 3, 2017 -:- FIRST 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 next 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, the Youth Ministry Program continues its sales – we will be selling Trees, Grave Covers and Wreaths at both St. Michael’s and St. Theresa’s this weekend. Next weekend will be the final weekend of our sales at both parishes. Hours next weekend are Saturday 9am till 7 pm, and Sunday 8am till 1:30 pm. For more information visit our website at www.stmtym.com

Union High School Scholarship Exam Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 9:00am and Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Exam fee is $30.00 To register for the Scholarship Exam and for more information call the Admissions Office at 908-889-1600, exts.302 or 328 or visit our website at http://m.unioncatholic.org/admissions

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.

(from 10:00am-12:00pn and 1:00pm-3:00pm) and 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).

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First Friday Devotion

Join us on Friday, December 1, for the First Friday Exposition and Devotion including the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the 9am Mass.

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