Bulletin September 9, 2007

Page Two Memorials for the Week of September 9th... .

Sunday, September 9th 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 5:00 P.M. John & Jack Gilmore 7:30 A.M. Rose Jeck 9:00 A.M. Deceased Members of The Eyerman Family 10:30 P.M. Margeret Stoskus 12:00 P.M. People of the Parish Monday, September 10th 7:00 A.M. Jules Pagani 8:30 A.M. The McVeigh Family 7:00 P.M. Julius Pagani Tuesday, September 11th 7:00 A.M. Thomas Sullivan 8:30 A.M. Irma D’Amico Wednesday, September 12th 7:00 A.M. Vincent LaCorte 8:30 A.M. Leeann Stenecki Thursday, September 13th 7:00 A.M. Frances Voci 8:30 A.M. Marie McDonough Friday, September 14th 7:00 A.M. Domenic Maffetone 8:30 A.M. Michael Pisciotta Saturday, September 15th 8:30 A.M. Marie Sheehan 5:00 P.M. William Frederick Green Sunday, September 16h 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 7:30 A.M. Charles Cook 9:00 A.M. Gregory LaTorre (43rd Anniversary) 10:30 P.M. Daniel Taylor 12:00 P.M. Tony Marinaro ^ Stewardship of Treasure ^ Jesus tells the crowd that only those who renounce all of their possessions can be His disciples. Is He truly asking us to give up everything? Perhaps instead He is trying to help us see that everything we think we own is really a gift from God. Good stewards know that and strive to use those gifts accountably. The collection for September 2nd 5:00 P.M. 8:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 12:00 P.M.

was as follows: $1431.00 $1526.00 $1290.00 $1366.00

Mail-ins

$ 398.00

TOTAL...

$6011.00

Thank you for supporting St. Stephen’s.

The Sanctuary Lamp In Memory of...Thomas Sullivan Votive, Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary Special Intention Votive, Shrine of St. Stephen In Memory of...Patrick Dickinson Altar Bread and Altar Wine In Memory of...The Deceased Members of The Mount Family “To everything there is a season and time Ecc.3:11 for every purpose under heaven.” “...a time to be born...” Pray For... “...a time to be healed” Frank Cocola, Frank Dumschat, Harry Eyerman, Jim Balatsos, Arthur Sanfilippo, Mary Madden, Chris Fender, Alexander Forfar, Sharon Foster, Maureen O’Neill, Jean Paterson, Dennis Goncalves, Brian Turgeon, Joanne O’Connor, Jacqueline D’Angelo, Concetta DiSalvo, Judy Lorincz, Kayce McGuire, Lucy DePalma, Sam McCurry, Jasmine Haefner, Daniel Pfeiffer, Sr. M. Benilda, O.P., Anna Glospie, Angelica Sullivan Duffy, Virginia Callahan, Leo Vartan, Ashley Green, Stephen Nolan, Dennis Reilly, Michael Gonzalez, Gertrude Mealy, Paul Marks, Woody Briese, Rita Ballentine, Glen Limido, Christopher Lombard, Marie McCaffrey, Arlene Taggart, Mary Masters, Jean Martinez, Ashley Kelly, Rosemarie Giresi, Rachael Izarry, Jackie D’Angelo, Pete Blair, Frank Adamcik, Frank Lisi, Bruno Coviello, Alice Giffin., Kim Alexander, Joseph Cairney, Mary Lawson, Frank Kolis, Theresa Clancy, Frances Lutkus, Richard Laugel, Joan Dolahan, Joan Entwistle, Anthony Pajnar, Jennie Pajnar, Veronica Freier., John Cicchino. “...a time to love...” Tara Joll & Daniel Cruz Amy Weber & Noel Heberling “...a time to die...” Helen Murtagh, Mame Hand “...a time of war and a time of peace...” We pray for all our national leaders and world leaders. We also pray for the safety of all men and women who serve in the armed forces of the United States. For those in the armed services, especially...Stephen Callaghan, David Dillon, Joseph McNamara, Vivienne Escalona-McNamara, Thomas Felty, Stephen Hacker, David Hassan, Philip Finch, Timothy Kelly, Patrick King, Nicholas Luciano, Faris Naffaa, Michael McShane, Jason Moberly, Paul Raponkus, Alex Saharig, James Valente, Wilson Viera, Barry McKeown, Christopher Roberts, Chris Pabst, Christian Salvia, Thomas Burns, William Burns, Donald Gregorowicz, Andrew Ryan Ingram, Jose’ Stoute, James McLaughlin, Robert Ryan, Nicolo Olcese, Danny Hogan, Evan Pilot. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple...Luke 14:26

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WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET? Ecclesiastes 1:1-2;2:21-23; Luke 12:13-21

The credit card companies are working overtime to attract your business. They are banking on the American consumer’s insatiable and uncontrollable appetite to have more – more of everything – and to have it now. It must be profitable for business indeed, because the struggle to gain market share of the credit market is fierce. Perhaps you have opened one of the daily bulk mailings they send you, “Win free airline miles, get your first year of fees waived, you qualify for our exclusive Platinum Club if you join today...” And then there are those catchy TV slogans: Life takes VISA... Some things money can’t buy, for everything else there’s Master Card... The Capital One Credit Card advantage...what’s in your wallet? That’s the question: What’s in your wallet? A Pastor rose to speak to his congregation as they prepared to take up an offering to fund a worthy ministry sponsored by the church. But before passing the offering plates and saying an offertory prayer, the Pastor asked all of the members of the congregation to take out their wallets and purses. Then the Pastor said this, “God has already provided enough money to fund this entire project we are considering today; everyone exchange your wallet with the person sitting on the pew behind you, and then they will take up the offering.” Nervous laughter rose from the room as the people looked around, trying to decide if the Pastor was serious. And then the Pastor winked and laughed, to let the worried parishioners breathe a sigh of relief. But he concluded the offertory moment with this thought, “How easy it is to give generously with money we do not think of as our own. If we had taken that offering while you held your neighbor’s wallet, I assure you there would be an amount given that would be abundantly more than we need today to support this ministry initiative. But even as you look at your own wallet and purse right now, and the opportunity to do good that it holds, would you consider whose money and whose wallet you are holding. Is it really yours? Or does it belong to God still, who gave it temporarily into your keeping with a generous hand, and the trust that you would treat it the same way? What’s in your wallet? And to whom does it belong? And what are we to do with those wallets while we are stewards of trust over their distribution? And finally, what can we learn, and what can we become, and what are the risks associated with money? Read the obituaries in the local paper. One day it will be your name there. You know what? I have never read an obituary that listed the number of cars in the deceased’s garage, only the number of family and friends and organizations whom the deceased loved. And that, my friends, is our true legacy. So, what’s in your wallet? And more importantly, what are you going to do with it? God Bless you, Fr. Richard SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ^

ST. STEPHEN SCHOOL ALL YEAR REUNION ^

t. Stephen’s Parish will once again offer Special Religious Education classes for children who have disabilities or learning challenges. Classes are held on Mondays from 4:00 to 4:45 P.M. Other times may be arranged to meet your child’s unique needs. Please contact Beverly Brachocki by leaving your name and phone number at the Rectory. Beverly will call you with registration information. Watch the bulletin for the starting date.Teachers and Aides are needed for children who have special learning needs. If you are interested in the Special Religious Education Program or other areas of ministry with special children or adults, please call the Rectory (201-998-3314) and leave a message for Beverly Brachocki.

Did you attend St. Stephen School or know someone who did? We

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are in the process of contacting alumni for an all-year reunion, Saturday, October 20, 2007. Contact Information: St. Stephen School, 201-991-3271, fax: 201-991-7829 Mail: Jeffrey R. Jablonski, Reunion Chairperson St. Stephen School 131 Midland Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032 Website: www.ststephenschool.com

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CCD NEWS Re-registration for all returning students is now due. All reregistration forms and payment should be mailed to: St. Stephen School of Religious Education, 131 Midland Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 as soon as possible to assure your child’s place in the proper grade. All new registrants and any returning students that need forms, please email us at: [email protected] and we will send you a printable version to be completed and mailed back with a copy of your child’s Baptismal Certificate. We can also be reached at 201-991-0236 for any questions. Please leave a message and we will get back to you. Note the following opening dates: September 10th

grades 1 - 2

September 17th

grades 1 - 4

September 18th

grades 5 - 6

October 2nd

grades 7 - 8

In light of our recent renovations, Saint Stephen School is looking to expand its Development Office to include qualified volunteer personnel for a position to include Grant Writing and Development. In recent months we have seen an increase in enrollment and anticipate that this positive trend will continue. The person we are looking for should have a background and experience in fundraising, development, matching gifts and grant writing. Qualified individuals who are interested can contact the School Office at 201-991-3271. ^ Our next Baptism is September 23, 2007 at 1:30 P.M.

PLEASE NOTE: NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS!

Our Instruction class for this Baptism is September 16th at 1:30 P.M.

^ RCIA INFORMATION

HOLY HOUR ^

Each year there are many adults who come to us with the question: “What must I do to be Baptized into the Catholic Faith, how can I receive my First Holy Communion and/or what can I do to receive my Confirmation?” An answer to all these questions is the RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Sessions are held every Wednesday evening beginning in the Fall and extending to after Easter. This program is an introduction to a lifelong process in our faith journey. Classes are informal, starting September 19th at 7:30 in the Rectory Meeting Room. There are other adults who are there for the same reason you are. It is however, only for those 18 years or older. If you would like more information please call 201-991-0236, we will be happy to help you.

Our weekly Bible Study will begin Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 P.M. in the Rectory Meeting Room. The study is open to the Parish....bring a friend.

Every first Friday of the month we have

Our

a Holy Hour and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church at 8:00 P.M. You are welcome to give one hour of your life to the Lord. next adoration is October 5th

Anyone

wishing to memorialize the Missalettes in memory of a loved one can do so by calling the Rectory. The next set of Missalettes is for the Advent/Christmas season. The suggested donation is $200.

Regis High School of Manhattan invites students and their parents to its NEW JERSEY ADMISSIONS INFORMATION NIGHT, Wednesday, September 26th at 7:00 P.M. at St. Philip the Apostle School, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. For more information contact Eric Di Michele, Director of Admissions at 212-288-1100.

gggg “WHY CATHOLIC” IS RETURNING!! Won’t you please join us?

^ Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations...Ps. 90:1

Bergen Catholic High School invites all boys and their parents to an OPEN HOUSE on Thursday evening, September 20th. There will be presentations with student-guided tours to follow beginning at 7:00 P.M. and ending at 9:00 P.M. Located in Oradell, 1040 Oradell Avenue, Bergen Catholic is conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

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ST. STEPHEN’S SENIORS The next meeting of St. Stephen’s Seniors will be held on Tuesday, September 11th, in the Church Hall at 12:00 P.M. SCHEDULED EVENTS Sept. 26th Oct. 24th Nov. 28th Bus leaves 9:30 A.M. Sharp! Mohonk Mountain House: Oct. 10th Final payment due now! Bus leaves at 8:15 A.M. Annual Everything Fair Sat., Nov. 3rd Doors open 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Hunterdon Hills/Christmas Show: Nov. 14th Deposit Due Now! Waiting List Only! Christmas Party/Victor’s Chateau: December 11th Trips are open to everyone!! Membership is open to anyone 55 years of age or older. ALL ARE WELCOME!!! For tours call: Joan 201-998-3578 or Atlantic City call: Peg 201-998-9443 For Sunshine or Condolence: Marjorie 201-991-0289 For Club info. call: Tom 201-998-8258

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP

The first meeting of the Junior High Youth Group will be on Sunday, September 16th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the lower church. The youth group is for all 6th, 7th and 8th graders. C’mon down and see what we’ll be doing this year!

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ll incoming FRESHMEN will c elebrate the Rite of Inscription for Confirmation at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday, September 15th. Information has been sent home regarding the Mass. There is also a parent/candidate meeting for freshmen following the Mass.

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he Sunday night sessions for all freshmen candidates will begin on September 23rd at Boystown. Mass will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church for all candidates, their families and friends at 6:00 p.m.

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Information on Youth Ministry events can be obtained by emailing [email protected]. Check us out on the WEB: www.myspace.com/ssyg. Even

Teachers go to School Got Milk...weed?

in

the Summer

Some forms of an obsession are worthwhile. Take mine; yes, I admit it, I am a newly emerged Monarchaholic! Since the morning of August 14th I’ve had one driving force . . . finding, growing, acquiring milkweed! Anyone who has visited my room knows they will find some variety of wildlife, whether it is lizards, crabs, fish, crickets or butterflies in some stage of their life cycle. Painted ladies hold a prominent place in the spring, however, the first days of school often find Eastern Black Swallowtail caterpillars munching away on parsley. This September, thanks to the MIN, my kindergarten will meet the latest addition – Monarch caterpillars and chrysalides. MIN stands for Monarch Teachers’ Network. Over the course of three days teachers from the NJ/NY area participated in an intensive cross-curricular workshop centered around the Monarch butterfly. One of the fun things we did was to make our own critter keeper, rearing tower and butterfly cage using common household supplies. On another day we took our critter keeper and went on an egg and caterpillar hunt. (I found four eggs and two tiny “cats” that day – the same ones my students will see when school starts!) We watched the adults emerge, we hand fed them, tagged a few then set them free in the school’s butterfly garden. We also learned about their long journey from winter homes in Mexico to the summer fields of NJ and Canada, the hazards they face and what we can do to help them on their way. If you want to take a peek when school starts, stop by – I expect the adults sometime soon. Until then, I’ll need more milkweed! Mrs. Cappello, Kindergarten Teacher

Page Six Join us for BINGO on Thursday evening Doors open at 6:00 P.M. Bingo runs from 7:30 to 9:30 P.M. Bingo workers for September 13th are: Eustice, Fonseca, Jones, Rabain, Rudden, Sawh

( ( ( COME AND BRING A FRIEND!! ^ Intercessions for Life ^ For all whose life is in danger, and especially for those for whom hunger and disease are a constant threat: that we might cherish their lives and seek to save them; We pray to the Lord... ^

Vocation Reflection ^ In today’s Gospel, we hear the Lord’s great call to discipleship. Jesus leaves nothing to the imagination when it comes to what He requires of those of us who wish to follow Him. Christ invites us to carry our cross and follow after Him. Discovering in what way we are called to do this is impossible without prayer. By doing so, we are not carrying our cross alone. The good Lord will guide us along the path He has chosen for us, whatever that may be. Following Christ in becoming a priest, deacon or religious brother or sister calls some of us to discipleship. If you think this might be your vocation, you are not alone. Contact the Office of Vocations at 973497-4365 or email [email protected]. ^ St. Stephen’s Mom’s Group will meet, Monday, September 17th at 10:00 A.M. in the Church Hall. Please come and share time with other mothers. We welcome anyone to join us. If you plan to attend, please call... Anne Marie Reid at 201-998-6968.

CHURCH CLEANING

SAINT STEPHEN’S ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY is sponsoring a one day Retreat at:

^ The Villa of Our Lady in the Poconos Wednesday, October 17, 2007. For more information, call Vicki @ 201-991-8345

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE ^ The Social Concerns Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 11th at 7:30 P.M. in the Rectory Meeting Room. This group sponsors the Coat Drive, Advent Giving Tree, Socials for the Developmentally Disabled, Lenten Giving Project, Cards to Shut-Ins, Food Pantry, Christmas in July, Feeding Kearny's Hungry and Encouraging Words. Encouraging Words is an AIDS Ministry that prepares meals for families with HIV/AIDS and sponsors AIDS Compassion Sunday, World AIDS Day and several other projects throughout the year. We always welcome new members. If you are interested in joining us, please come to our September 11th meeting.

‚ ‚ ‚ The next Church cleaning will be held on Wednesday, September 12th from 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Please note that we start and finish on time!!

FOOD PANTRY ^ Our Parish Food Pantry is in need of the following items: Jelly, peanut butter, canned fruit, soup, cookies, tuna fish, macaroni & cheese, jello, pudding Please bring only the foods requested.

***We ask that the items are not outdated or open*** Thank you... Social Concerns Committee

^ Our Food Pantry is now open on Thursday ONLY from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: ggg RECTORY OFFICE HOURS ^ MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. ^ SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 9:00 A.M.. to 2:00 P.M.