September 4, 2016 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

FROM THE DESK OF FATHER MAURICE HIS WORD TODAY By Rev. William J. Reilly

“Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our

plans… Or who can ever know your counsel except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high. And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.” The Old Testament question seems to warrant the answer ‘no one.’ Because we are gifted with the teaching of Jesus, we are able to answer differently because we have been given the Holy Spirit. We know that God’s plan is for all people to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. The gift of the Holy Spirit allows that plan to take root in our hearts. Like Solomon who asked for an understanding heart, the gift of wise judgment, we are able to pursue God’s plan for us that our paths may be made straight. As missionary disciples, we accept our cross and follow the Lord who has revealed Himself, invited us, and supports us on our journey. When in doubt, ask for the Spirit to guide, lead and protect the path on which we have started.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK Saturday/Sunday, September 3/4 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 p.m. People of the Parish 8 a.m. Sally Borland 9:30 a.m. Michael McMahon 11 a.m. Marie Delio

Monday, September 5 7 p.m. No Evening Mass

Tuesday, September 6 7 p.m. Anna Marie Zieman

Wednesday, September 7 7 p.m. Thomas Kurth

Thursday, September 8 9 a.m. People of the Parish

Saturday/Sunday, September 10/11 24thSunday in Ordinary Time 5 p.m. Annette Patrick 8 a.m. People of the Parish 9:30 a.m. Patsy & Catherine Venezia

11 a.m. Robert Calvosa

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES Monday, September 5 Rectory Office Closed for Labor Day

Wednesday, September 7 Living Faith Prayer Group (6:30 p.m.) Church Hall

Thursday, September 8 Knights of Columbus (7:30 p.m.) Upper Room

Sunday, September 11 Holy Name Society (8:45 a.m.) Rectory Parish Picnic (12-4 p.m.) Lebanon Twsp. Park

THE GIFT OF OUR TREASURE

Offertory Collection for 8/28/16: $5,631.

September 4, 2016 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Cor 5:1-8; Lk 6:6-11 Tuesday: 1 Cor 6:1-11; Lk 6:12-19 Wednesday: 1 Cor 7:25-31; Lk 6:20-26 Thursday: Mi 5:1-4a; Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 Friday: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27; Lk 6:39-42 Saturday: 1 Cor 10:14-22; Lk 6:43-49

NEXT WEEKEND’S SCRIPTURE READINGS

24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14 God became very angry with the Israelites for worshiping a molten calf and making sacrifices to it. The people had so quickly violated his commandments that he planned to destroy them. But Moses pleaded with God for mercy and God relented.

Second Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Paul considered himself a former blasphemer and persecutor, and expressed his gratitude for the mercy Jesus showed him. Paul felt that he was a perfect example of Jesus’ patience toward sinners and his desire to reconcile them with God.

Gospel: Luke 15:1-32 The Pharisees grew angry because of the Jesus’ compassion toward sinners. In response, Jesus tells of a son who squandered his inheritance, then returned to his father and asked to be treated as a hired hand. The father rejoiced, angering his older and more obedient son. The father explained that everything he owned belonged to his older son; but he had to rejoice for the son who was lost and had been found.

PARISH AND DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES

If you are an adult and have thought about becoming a Catholic or you have been baptized (either Catholic

or Christian) but have not completed the Sacrament of Confirmation, consider attending our RCIA Program. It will run from October to April and conclude at the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday, April 15, 2017. For more information, call Bruce Teeling at 908-894-3982. PRAYER CHAIN To place someone on the Prayer Chain, please call Fran Rapp, at the Parish Office on Tuesday or Wednesday at 638-6211, Extension 19 or email your request sjchbfm@comcast.net.

PARISH AND DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES

The 4th $50 weekly winner is #41 Jerry Sesta. We now have 85 paid

members. We are asking members and new enrollees to pay club dues by October. Thanks to everyone who has helped us over the years. THE ST. JOSEPH’S CHOIR will resume rehearsals for the fall season on Tuesday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the church. New members are welcome to join us during the month of September. The choir sings at the 11:00 a.m. mass on Sunday and special liturgies throughout the year. Any questions, please call Dee Savare at 638-4336 or e-mail dsavare@hotmail.com. PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION This annual collection will be taken up next weekend and provides Pope Francis with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works around the world. The proceeds benefit our brothers and sisters on the margins of society, including victims of war, oppression, and disasters. HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE is a group of friendly and caring parishioners who plan and host our Parish Breakfasts and Parish Sunday Coffees. We are always in need of additional helping hands. Our annual organizational meeting is September 13th at 7:30 p.m. in the Church Hall. Join us in the Church Hall on the 13th or call Fran Rapp at the Rectory Office at 638-6211, extension 19 for more information. 24 HOUR PRAYER LINE Our Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities has a 24 hour prayer line for those who desire prayer for special needs. If you, a family member or friend would like to be remembered in prayer for a temporary or permanent illness, please call us and leave a detailed message at 732-765-6431.

Join us for our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 11th at the Lebanon Township Park from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Best of all it is FREE! We only ask that you bring a dessert to share! Please RSVP

NO LATER THAN TODAY IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING! Kindly fill out the information below and place it in the collection basket or the mailbox located behind the Rectory. This will ensure we have enough food.

Family Name: ___________________________________

Number attending: Adults: ________Children:_______