MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 6:00 PM - Vigil Mass

Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM (Italian) 12:30 PM - Family Mass 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM Other Services & Activities: Mon to Sat: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer Tuesday: 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary 7:30 PM - St. Padre Pio Mass (9/19) 7:30 PM - Holy Rosary Society (9/26) 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary (Portuguese) Wednesday: 7:00 PM - Holy Rosary (Italian) Thursday: 2:00 PM - Bible Study (Italian) 6:15 to 7:15 PM - Holy Hour Adoration for Vocations (June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27) 7:30 PM - Bible Study (English) 8:30 PM - Rosary by Braz. Men (7/13) Friday: 8:30 PM - Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Friday: 5:30 to 8:30 PM - Blessed Sacrament Adoration (9/1)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., Pastor Fr. Christogonus (Chris) Iwunze, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V.,Weekend Assistant

Church & Rectory 442 E Brinkerhoff Ave Palisades Park, NJ 07650 Tel. 201-944-1154 Fax. 201-944-9510 Email. stnicholas07650@live.com Website. www.stnicholasrcchurch.org

Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mornings by appointment only)

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms: On any available Sunday during the 11:00 AM (Italian), 12:30 PM (English) & 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Masses. Please, contact the rectory at least one month prior to desired date. Confessions: Saturdays 5:00 to 5:45 PM, or during the week by appointment. Marriages: Please contact the rectory at least six months prior to desired wedding date. Sacrament of the Sick: If you are hospitalized or un-able to come to Church for health reasons and would like to be visited by a priest for Confession, Commun-ion, or Anointing of the Sick, please call the rectory. Religious Education Program (CCD): For children 1st to 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School. Classes are held on Sundays from September to May at 11:30 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass. Confirmation: Teens will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on 8th grade. They will attend classes at 11:30 AM from September to December; and from January to April classes will start at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 25th, 2017

The grace of God overflows for all (Romans 5:12-15).

HOLY HOUR OF ADORATION will be held every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM during summer. There will be no first Friday Adoration for the months of July and August. During summer months, more than ever, we should take advantage of our free time to have private hours of adoration in church. Our church will continue to stay open from

6:30 AM to 7:30 PM — JESUS-EUCHARIST waits for your visit.

OUR ANNUAL MASS IN HONOR OF ST. ANNE will be on Wednesday, July 26 at 8:00 AM. A holy relic of the saint will be venerated immediately following the mass.

CCD—RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM 2017-2018 - Our program was created to provide basic doctrine of Catholic faith to our school age children—1st to 8th grades—and it strives to help them deepen their relationship with God. Please contact the rectory office if you have a child to be enrolled in our program.

DINNER DANCE 2017—Make your calendar: Our Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, October 14 at the Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson.

Biblical Reflection

“Just are you are rich in every respect, in faith and discourse, in knowledge, in total concern, and

in our love for you, you must abound in your work of charity”

2 Cor 8:7

Paul reminds the people of Corinth of their many blessings and calls them

to give charitably to others. We too are blessed in many ways.

Are we as charitable?

SATURDAY, June 24 7:00AM Mario Lisica by his mother Regina 8:00AM Anton Mirkovich by his wife 6:00PM Santo & Maria Gerbavac by daughter Milena SUNDAY, June 25 7:30AM Intentions of Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, SDV 9:30AM Mary, Rose & Camile by bro. Frank Pallotta & wife 11:00AM Santo & Maria Gerbavac by daughter Milena 12:30PM Antonio Tommolillo by Tommolillo family 7:00 PM All people of this parish MONDAY, June 26 7:00AM Antonio Mattessich by his daug-in-law Maria 8:00AM Solidalba & Maria Cecere by daughter & children TUESDAY, June 27 7:00AM Caterina Bussanich by M/M John Hroncich 8:00AM Giovanni Piccinich by M/M Anthony Piccinich WEDNESDAY, June 28 7:00AM Mike & Olimpia Pallotta by Josephine & Fausto Galeazza 8:00AM Special intentions by M/M Anthony Piccinich THURSDAY, June 29 7:00AM John Tarabocchia by M/M Matthew Mattessich 8:00AM Vincent Giambona by his wife FRIDAY, June 30 7:00AM Stefano Piccinich by M/M Albino Matesic 8:00AM All souls in purgatory by Tony & Julia Picinich SATURDAY, July 1 7:00AM Anna Mattessich by M/M Matthew Mattessich 8:00AM Nikola Morin by M/M John Hroncich 6:00PM Antonio & Francesca Mondo by Cerciello family SUNDAY, July 2 7:30AM John Burns by wife, daughter & son-in-law 9:30AM Caterina & Nunziatina Mattera by Lucia Casola 11:00AM Rocco Ianni by Giovanni Totaro 12:30PM Grace Ehiahuruike by friend 7:00 PM All people of this parish

Mass Intentions

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustee: Giovanni Simone & Michael Massaro Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, and Kelly Oliveira

Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director; Sr. Jancy Thomas, S.D.V. and Sr. Emilia Din, S.D.V. 223 14th Street - Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-2413 Parish Pre-K “Fr. Justin Learning Center” Tel. 201-944-1376

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY 312 First St—Palisades Park, NJ Principal: Mark Valvano Tel. 201-947-5262

News of the Parish

In Memoriam SANCTUARY LAMP donated this week

in loving memory of Anthony Truncellito by his family

Page 3 June 25, 2017

Holy Communion was brought this month to: Maria Piccini, Victor Columbini, John Ostuni, Frances Ceria, Cynthia Cornell, Anita Lauria and Gloria Pezzolla.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Dinaro, Lorenzo Cafasso, Josephine Dolberry, Eileen Murphy, Angela Tina, Rita Vanore, Maria Piccini, John Ostuni, Dominick Ostuni, Sara Modafferi, John Hroncich (John Hroncich’s nephew), Fred DeCarlo, Martino Matesic, Ashraf Soliman and James Malatesta.

Remember our deceased: Michael Polotta (6/18)

Events of the Week

Pastoral Care

Tuesday, June 27 9:00AM - Legion of Mary in Bl. Mother’s room 8:00PM - Holy Rosary in the Brazilian families Wednesday, June 28 7:00PM - Holy Rosary in Italian in church Thursday, June 29 6:15 to 7:15PM - Holy Hour of Adoration for Vocations 7:30PM - Bible Study in English Friday, June 30 8:30PM - Brazilian prayer meeting in church hall

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FEAR NOT

How do people find hope in the face of suffering and death? That is the question addressed by today's scriptures. We hear of the suffering of Jeremiah and the psalmist. We hear of the death that "reigned f r o m A d a m t o Moses" (Romans 5:14). We hear of the fears of the Twelve as Jesus sends them out into the world to preach and heal. Through all this tribulation one message rings out loud and clear--"Do not be afraid!" The God who saved Jeremiah and the psalmist and Jesus is fully present to save us through the gracious gift of Jesus Christ. We have nothing and no one to fear. — Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Ministers’ Schedule for July 2

6:00 PM: Lector - Carmela B. E.M. - Maria Claudia and Rita 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael E. M. - Sr. Jancy and Sr. Emilia 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina and Carol E.M. - Sr. Bene and Suzanne 11:00 AM: Lectors - Frank and Italia E.M. - Carmela A., Francesca and Margherita 12:30 PM : Lector - Lucy, Renee and Benjamin E.M. - Suzanne 7:00 PM: Lectors - Patricia, Katia and Laine E.M. - Evaneide and Leo

Shoprite Cards are available after each Sunday Mass or during the week at the office. Our church will get 5% of what you spend.

This weekend second collection will be for the

VOCATIONIST MISSIONS

Your Generosity is Needed!

“Without the priest, there is no Eucharist. Without the Eucharist,

there is no Church.”

Of course, we need prayer for vocations. And we ask that you explicitly invite young men in our parishes to consider priesthood.

But we also need your financial assistance to reach candidates, run discernment retreats and camps, fund our seminarians’ education and support our missions all over the world.

Please donate generously.

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND TALENT

The red rose placed by the tabernacle each week for the month of June was donated by

Eileen Colonna.

The purificators (altar cloths) for the month of June were cleaned by

Claudia Oliveira

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

June 11 collection . . . . . . . . $ 2,121.00 June 18 collection: 6:00PM Mass . . . . . . . $ 232.00 7:30AM Mass . . . . . . . $ 380.00 9:30AM Mass . . . . . . . $ 275.00 11:00AM Mass . . . . . . $ 334.00 12:30PM Mass . . . . . . $ 369.00 7:00PM Mass . . . . . . . $ 399.00 Online . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30.00 $ 2,019.00 Budget amount needed weekly $ 2,395.83

Vocationist Corner

Grant that I may die to self and to the world, and that Jesus may live in me, in turn, I may live for You alone, O Divine Trinity,

indwelling in my soul! Grant that all my thoughts may be directed toward You, as are those of the Cherubim, and that all my

affections may become flames of love for You, as are the Seraphim.

May all my senses be engaged in serving You like so many Angels. Grant that every action of mine may

truly be acts of the purest and most intense love for You.

Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo, SDV, Spirit of Prayer, page 113

“UNUM” Singles Group

We will meet on the 3rd Saturday (pending on schedule of events of the month) @ 7:00 PM for prayers,

discussions, maybe a good movie, a glass of wine and a relaxing chat amongst friends of same faith Our next meeting will be July 18

If you are interested on being part of the group, please let us know. Just drop this cutout in the collection

basket, call us at 201-944-1154 or email at stnicholas07650@live.com

Name: ________________________________________

Phone (for texting): _____________________________

HOLY ROSARY SOCIETY

“Pray the rosary everyday. Pray, pray a lot and offer sacrifices for

the sinners. I’m Our Lady of the Rosary. Only I will be able to help you.”

Meetings are on the Tuesday that precedes the first Sunday of each month at 7:30PM—next meeting

in September

If you want to be part of the Holy Rosary Society, come to our next meeting. New members are always welcome.

ST. MATTHEW’S PRESENTS MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING

On Wednesday, July 12th at 7:30PM, they will have once again a summer concert featuring all professional singers and musicians. The music will be a mixture of classical, popular, and show tunes. Tickets for the concert are $20 and $15 for seniors. — St. Matthew’s rectory: 555 Prospect Ave—Ridgefield, NJ 07657

MASS FOR THE LIVING—You can request a mass to be celebrate for the intention of someone who is sick, going through difficult times and in need of spiritual strength. We are accustomed to offer masses for the souls of our deceased, but we should do the same in the intentions of our families, friends and anyone in need.

~~ Feast of Saint Anne ~~ A Mass in honor of St. Anne,

mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus,

will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 26th

at 8:00 AM. A holy relic of the saint will be

venerated following the Mass.

All are invited to attend.

Please use baskets at the entrance of the church for

your donations to St. Anne.

LEGION OF MARY Are you a shut-in?

Unable to come to church?

Allow the Legion of Mary to visit you. We would like to pray the rosary with you and

offer holy communion. If there is someone you know or you yourself

would like such a visit, please call the rectory office

and someone from the Legion of Mary will contact you.

2017-2018 CCD Religious Edu-cation Program — Our program provides religious instruction to children from grades 1 to 8 and all children who are not attend-ing Catholic schools should be registered. They will receive First Commun-ion on 2nd grade and Confirma-tion on 8th grade. Please contact the rectory’s office for more information or if you have new children to be added to our listings.

With the results of the Survey and Town Hall meeting, we have agreed to move the

Saturday evening Vigil Mass schedule to 5:00PM starting December 3rd – first Sunday of Advent 2017.

Our parish says goodbye to our dear pastor Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, SDV

On Friday, June 2nd, an official letter arrived at St. Nicholas. It brought news of Fr. Stephen’s transfer to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Apopka, FL. After negotiations with the Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, the Vo-cationist Fathers had acquired a new community, the first in the Southeast region of the United States. Father Stephen has been chosen to be its pastor. The ur-gency of his transfer was unseen

before. Only three weeks to pack, to say farewell to his pa-rishioners and to assume position in his new parish. It was certainly too fast, too soon, and too difficult to bear.

Fr. Stephen was born in Ezinihitte, Mbaise, Imo State, Nige-ria, on September 4, 1974. He is the 3rd of seven children of Simon and Martha Ehiahuruike. When the family began to grow, his father, an only son, moved his family to live with their grandmother in Obizi, Ezinihitte, Mbaise. There, little Chukwuemeka (Stephen’s Nigerian name) was raised, sur-rounded by his beloved family, and being extra spoiled by his sweet grandma. Raised in a very good Catholic family, Stephen was an altar boy from 4th to 9th grade.

As a young man, Stephen heard the call of God to serve as a priest. In October of 1991, the Vocationist Fathers opened a new mission in Nigeria, and Stephen ap-proached them for guidance. He entered the Vocationist congregation in September of 1994. He graduated in Philosophy in 2000 and Theology in 2004. He did his First Profession at the age of 22, his Perpetual Profes-sion at 26 and was ordained Priest on August 7, 2004. Two months after his ordination, he was transferred to the Vocationist Mission in the Philippines. There he served his congregation as Superior and Novice Master, and obtained his Masters in Theology in 2007.

On July 15, 2011, Fr. Stephen was assigned to St. Nicholas Church in Palisades Park. He soon became famil-iar with the entire parish, visiting families and making new friends. Fr. Stephen’s charisma and cheerful personality soon conquered the heart of most parishioners.

He was a Parochial Vicar during the pastoral transition from Fr. Armando to Fr. Jeremy, in the beginning of 2012. Fr. Stephen was appointed St. Nicholas’ Administrator in April of 2012, and then Pastor.

Fr. Stephen’s presence brought new life to St. Nicholas par-ish. His humble spirit healed old wounds. His smile wel-comed back those who were away from our parish. New

parishion-ers felt wel-comed and energized by his homi-lies, by his cordial ap-proach with so much love and respect for each indi-vidual he happened to cross path with.

“I just moved to the area and was shopping around for a new parish. I visited all churches nearby and decided to stay here because of Fr. Stephen. He made me feel as if I had just arrived home,” said a newly registered member of St. Nicholas.

“Fr. Stephen will give you his full attention, no matter who you are and what you have to say. He will listen, he will pay attention to every word. Even if he happens to disagree with you, he will let you know without letting go of his happy face,” said another parishioner.

The 12:30 PM Sunday Mass is mostly attended by the CCD children and their families. Fr. Stephen asked questions to

the children during Mass and patiently considered their an-swers. Parents witnessed in their children the desire to at-tend Mass, to wonder about God and to curiosity to know more about their Catholic faith. Fr. Stephen made it all very special for them.

As the time to say “farewell” approaches, the entire parish feels the sadness of losing such caring pastor. We pray that he will always have a special place in his heart for the memories we shared.

We will miss Fr. Stephen — We will miss him a lot.