St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church 30 Jackson Street, South River, NJ 08882

Phone: 732-254-2220 Fax: 732-651-8182

Website: www.stmarysr.org Facebook.com/stmarysr

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Saint Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, a Roman

Catholic Community, embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ by fostering our rich traditions and serving the needs of others. Through worship,

sacrament and prayer, all are invited to join with us as we continue to inspire and strengthen

our parish family.

MAY 21, 2017 Sixth Sunday of Easter

PARISH STAFF:

Rev. Michael J. Gromadzki Pastor

Thomas F. Dominiecki, Deacon Emeritus

Mark Hennicke Deacon

Mr. Lawrence Lasko, Director of Sacred Music Mrs. Gayle Spezio, Assistant Administrator Ms. Jeanette Vega, Cemetery Coordinator

Mrs. Rosemary Eckert, P.C.L., Faith Formation

PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION

PARISH OFFICE: CEMETERY OFFICE: ostrabrama@stmarysr.org cemetery@stmarysr.org

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: prep@stmarysr.org

MASS SCHEDULE:

Sunday: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM (Children’s Liturgy), 12:00 N (Polish)

Saturday: Vigil Mass 4:00 PM

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:00 AM / Thurs: 6:30 PM {Weekday Masses are in the Chapel except for Holy Days}

Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 7:00 PM

ROSARY: Prayed before daily Mass & before 4 PM Vigil & 8:30 AM

Sunday Mass.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA: Every Monday following the 8:00 AM Mass.

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: Prayed following all weekday Masses.

CONFESSIONS: Saturdays 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon or by appointment.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

OFFICES CLOSED ON ALL HOLY DAYS & HOLIDAYS

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER SATURDAY (SOBOTA), MAY 20 4 PM +Kulik & Wolynec Grandparents Req. by: Rosemarie Kulik

SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), MAY 21 8:30 Jack Sykulski ~ 80th Birthday Blessings Req. by: Wife, Barbara & Family 10:30 +Barbara & Alexander Wyluda Req. by: Wyluda Family 12 N Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish Litany to Mother of God MONDAY (PONIEDZIALEK), MAY 22 Easter Weekday / St. Rita of Cascia, Religious 8 AM +Rose Boehm Req. by: Emily & John Grasso

TUESDAY (WTOREK), MAY 23 Easter Weekday 8 AM +Sophie Witkowski Req. by: St. Mary’s Parishioners

WEDNESDAY (SRODA), MAY 24 Easter Weekday 8 AM +Polikarp & Stefania Trojanowski Req. by: Dorothy Kseniak & Family

THURSDAY (CZWARTEK), MAY 25 The Ascension of the Lord 8 AM +Mary K. Olender Req. by: Children 12:15 +Edna Maslanka & +Elizabeth Repack Req. by: Family 7 PM +Tadeusz Stasik Req. by: Family Litany & Rosary FRIDAY (PIATEK), MAY 26 St. Philip Neri, Priest 8 AM +Stanley Ryfa Req. by: Wife, Irene

SATURDAY (SOBOTA), MAY 27 Easter Weekday St. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop 4 PM Peter & Rosemary Eckert ~ 45th Wedding Anniversary Blessings Req. by: Family

SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), MAY 28 Seventh Sunday of Easter 8:30 +Buddy Shine Req. by: Mom & Don 10:30 Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish 12 N +Michael Kowalski Req. by: Nawrot Family Litany to Mother of God

MASS INTENTIONS . . . Anyone wishing to present the gifts at the Offertory of the Mass, kindly speak to an usher prior to the beginning of Mass. Family members of those for whom the Mass is offered are always welcomed and encouraged to present the gifts and given priority.

PARISH REGISTRATION: All parishioners should be registered. Parishioners over the age of 18 should register independently of their parents. It is necessary to be a registered parishioner for at least 3 months in order for us to provide testimonial letters. Kindly notify the Parish Office of any changes.

BAPTISMS: Fourth Sunday of the month at 1 PM. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements prior to making social plans. Parents & godparents must attend instructions on the third Sunday of the month at 11:30 AM in the Seniors’ Room. MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least one year in advance, prior to making social plans. SICK CALLS: Arrangements for communion calls to the sick can be made by calling the Parish Office. Please notify the Parish Office when a parishioner is in the hospital. Emergency calls are made at any time.

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP): Instruction in the Catholic Faith for children in grades 1-8. Classes are held from September to April on Monday afternoons from 4:30 - 5:45 PM. Please contact the Parish Office for further information. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): A process of prayer, study, & spiritual formation which prepares unbaptized adults & adults baptized outside the Catholic Church to be in full communion.. Any adult 18 years of age or older who desires becoming a Catholic should call the Parish Office.

THE HOLY FATHER’S INTENTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

Christians in Africa. That Christians in Africa, an imitation of the Merciful Jesus, may give prophetic witness to reconciliation, justice, and peace.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

1 PETER 3:17

The old line says, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Many of us are diligent in our planning, making sure things are progressing smoothly, then disaster strikes; we don’t get the result that was intended. An unforeseen problem arises. Many times we may respond negatively. Why me? I did everything right! Here’s the thing--God has a different and better plan in store for you.

Sunday, May 21 Pre-Baptism Class 11:30 am, Msgr. Wujek Room

Monday, May 22 Seniors’ Meeting 10 am, Msgr. Wujek Room End of Year Meeting for PREP Staff 6 pm, Parish Office

Thursday, May 25 ~ Ascension of the Lord Masses: 8 am, 12:15 pm & 7 pm Parish Office Closed

Friday, May 26 Parish Office Closed ~ Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 27 Confessions 11:00 am C.O.P.E. Collection

Sunday, May 28 C.O.P.E. Collection

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE . . . WINE & HOSTS

+Joseph Petersack - Sons, Jeffrey & Joseph

CANDLE INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Sanctuary Candle ~ Church God’s Blessings for Mark Silva - St. Mary’s Seniors

Blessed Mother’s Altar Candles 25th Anniversary Blessings for Sr. Theresa Kovacs

- St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society

Sacred Heart Altar Candles +Lenny Florek - Peter & Rosemary Eckert

Candle for St. Joseph {Available ~ $10 for one candle for one week}

Candle For St. Anthony +Grandpa Al Wojcik ~ Miss you & love you,

Gary, Kim & Michael

Our Lady of Ostrabrama Candles 45th Wedding Anniversary Blessings for Peter & Rosemary Eckert - Gayle & Jeff

Sanctuary Candle ~ Chapel {Available ~ $25 for one large candle for one week}

Divine Mercy Candles ~ Chapel {Available ~ $25 for two candles for one week}

St. Anne’s Altar +Sophie Witkowski - St. Mary’s Parishioners

La Pieta Grotto Candles God’s Blessings for Joan Wojcik -

Love, Your Family

Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements to donate candles or wine &

hosts in honor of a loved one.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMORIALS

In addition to Mass intentions, St. Mary’s offers a variety of options to remember your loved

ones or special occasions. All of the following are available throughout the year. The names and/or intentions will be printed in the bulletin for that week. Please contact the Parish Office for details and availability.

Altar Flowers: Available weekly for specific areas in the church & chapel except Lent & Advent

Wine & Hosts: Available for Masses for one week Candle Intentions: Available weekly for specific

areas in the church & chapel Memorial Room Candles: Available monthly Memorial Room Plaques: Various sizes available Tree of Life: Leaves still available

REMEMBER THE SICK & HOMEBOUND, especially: Cindy Abreu-Maia, Mrs. Marlene Ahde, Nina Argresta, Charlotte & Ted Batko, Marie Borichewski, Patricia Brink, Virginia Brown, Cathy Christan, Lynette Cucco, Thomas DelGuercio, Mary Dzienkowski, Tom Fackovec, Evelyn Fafara, Penelope Fry, Sophie Galinski, John Ganser, Matthew Giardelli, Maryann Goccia, Amelia Halmo, Irene Hanko, Jean Hill, Eleanor Holz, Helen Hydrusko, Rose Johnson, Edward Jurewicz, Catheryn Kelly, Jason Klee, Marion Kovacs, Joan Krenzel, Mary P. Lementowicz, Michael Lucas, Pearl Markowski, Anthony Martino, Wanda Massaro, Dorothy McMahon, Hannah Grace Michlik, Rozalia Milkowski, Maria Nunez, Adela Ogrodnik, Joe Pawelek, Shona Pietraczenko, Nicholas Piacenti, Stanley Plewa, Cecelia Polanski, Ann Marie Puchala, Kevin Rasimowicz, C. Rasmussen, Rose Razzano, Walter & Edna Rice, Sr. Rosangela, Rosalie Rudy, Sean Ryan, Steven Samuel, Gregory Sciscoe, Stephen Soehngen, Mary Swider, Joe Szumski, Pauline Terelmes, Sylvia Thrasher, Christine Tobin, Maria Uzzo, Juan Velazquez, Arlene Watson, Claire Watson, Karolina Wojciechowski, Edward Wolanin, Jr., Kathryn Wolanin, Barbara Zambrzicky, Henry Ziolkowski.

IN OUR HEARTS & PRAYERS . . .

Flowers for the Week of May 14, 2017

Blessed Mother’s Altar Flowers were donated for Living & Deceased Members of

Altar Rosary Society

ASCENSION OF THE LORD Thursday, May 25, is the Solemnity of The Ascension of the Lord and a holy day of obligation. Masses will be 8 am, 12:15 & 7 pm. Also, the Parish Office will be closed in observance of the holy day.

Shop-Rite Certificates

Everyone needs to shop for groceries & prescriptions. The certificates program

is a means for St. Mary’s to earn five cents on every dollar spent at Shop-Rite without any additional cost to shoppers. Certificates are available before and after all Masses at the entrances of the church, or may be purchased at the Parish Office during regular office hours.

Rebuild my CHURCH

REMEMBER ST. MARY’S IN YOUR WILL

God will never be outdone in generosity. Please remember

St. Mary’s Parish in your Will & Testament!

GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING . . .

St. Mary’s Parish is totally dependent upon the generosity of its parishioners for parish support. Our church support program is called “Sacrificial Giving”. Each individual parishioner or family is asked to consistently give “their fair share”, in support of their parish in a spirit of thanksgiving to God, to enable our parish church to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. The envelopes provided for you are to be used as gift wrappers for each sacrificial gift you give to the Lord. Please be generous, since God is generous to us.

Sunday Collection - May 14, 2017

Weekly $4,045.00 Building Fund $1,523.00 National Basilica Dome $ 514.00

Thank You & God Bless You! Bóg Zapłać!  

St. Mary of Ostrabrama Building Restoration Project Update . . .

Balance: $6,412.79

A special Thank You and God’s Blessing to all who have generously contributed to this project so far!

ST. MARY’S CHOIR

Choir rehearsals are held on Thursdays, 7:30 pm in the Sister Columbine Room in the lower church.

New members, especially MEN, are always welcome and needed. See our organist.

IN OUR PARISH . . .

**Please patronize our advertisers** They make our bulletin possible.

C.O.P.E. COLLECTION Next weekend, the Holy Name will be asking for contributions for the C.O.P.E. Collection after all Masses.

2017 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL Ambassadors for

Christ As baptized Catholics, we are all Ambassadors for Christ. Like the first disciples, we are sent into the Lord’s vineyard with a mission of bringing hope and goodness to our world. Some things are possible for us as individuals, but some need the combined effort of many. The 2017 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is an opportunity for us to come together to serve as Ambassadors for Christ. By contributing to the life of the Church through our support of the many and varied diocesan ministries, we reflect our commitment to evangelization, priestly vocations, religious formation for our youth, assisting the poor, and so much more. All of the money donated goes to these and all of the pastoral and charitable ministries mentioned in the Appeal brochure and none is used for administrative costs. Thank you for your generous support.

Our next Parish Raffle is scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 2017 ~ just two weeks away! Please send in your raffle tickets as soon as possible. Please

support this important fundraiser for our parish. Additional tickets are available after Mass at the entrances of the church or in the Parish Office during business hours.

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

-Mark Twain

Forgive Fully

Pray for the people who have wronged you, that they may be more considerate of the feelings of others. Then forgive them, fully and sincerely.

-from Sisterhood of Saints

MINUTE MEDITATION

FAITH FORMATION . . .

**IMPORTANT PREP NEWS**

Registration for the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) for the 2017-2018 school year is now underway in the Parish Office during regular business hours. Please register as soon as possible so books can be ordered.

Registration fees for the 2017-2018 school year are:

One Child $125.00 Family $200.00

New registrations should bring copies of birth and Baptism certificates. Any questions, please contact the Parish Office. Please note ~ A late fee of $50.00 will be charged for any re-registrations received after May 31st. This late fee will be used to offset those families in need.

Students transferring from another Religious Education program must have a transfer letter indicating grade level and sacramental information.

AROUND THE DIOCESE . . .

MEMORIAL DAY MASS Monday, May 29, 2017 ~ 10 AM

Please join us for a wreath laying ceremony and Mass in honor of our Veterans.

Holy Cross Cemetery 840 Cranbury South River Road, Jamesburg

Very Rev. Thomas J. Walsh Pastor St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick - Celebrant

Resurrection Cemetery

Hoes Lane & Park Avenue, Piscataway

Rev. Msgr. William Benwell Vicar General - Celebrant

Veterans will receive a pin in commemoration of

their service. ALL ARE WELCOME

World Apostolate of Fatima Our Lady’s Blue Army Shrine

674 Mountain View Road East, Asbury

Saturday, June 3, 2017

“You at least try to console me…” Honor the plea of Our Lady on December 10, 1925 re-questing First Saturdays for five consecutive months. Confessions: 10:30-1:30 pm; Rosary w/15 minute medi-tation 11:30 am; Holy Mass 12 noon. Celebrant Rev. James Kyrpczak. Holy House: 2:30pm: Children’s video & explanation of “Last Vision” sculpture. 3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet. Bring your family and friends to answer the call of the Child Jesus: “And have you spread through the world what our heavenly Mother request-ed of you?”

For information, please call 908-689-1700 x 210 or visit the website www.wafusa.org.

The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen,

will celebrate Mass for Home School Students and their Families

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 ~ 10:00 a.m.

St. Magdalen de Pazzi Roman Catholic Church 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ 08822

Light refreshments and fellowship to follow.

RSVP by May 31, 2017 Register online at diometuchen.org/homeschoolmass If you have questions, call Erin at (732) 562-2463 or

email communications@diometuchen.org.

Holy Humor

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT OFFICE

INVITES YOUNG ADULTS FROM AGE 18 TO 39 FOR A YOUNG ADULT HOLY HOUR

(followed by fellowship*)

June 11, 2017 ~ 6 to 7 p.m.

St. John Neumann Pastoral Center 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ

The hour will include praise and worship, faith sharing and guest speakers. Reconciliation will also be available.

Fellowship will be held at a local restaurant.

For more information, contact Mary Ann Giannone mgiannone@diometuchen.org.

*Please note individuals will be responsible for paying for their own meal.

YOUNG ADULT WEEKEND RETREAT TO END THE SERIES

Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25, 2017

Retreat begins on Friday evening with dinner at 7:15 p.m. and ends on Sunday after Mass and lunch around 1:00 p.m.

Loyola Jesuit Center 161 James Street, Morristown, NJ

(973) 539-0740

Sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry & the Loyola Jesuit Center.

Deposit of $25 requested. Cost $200 (Suggested Offering). Please call Loyola Center if you require financial assistance.

To register visit https://www.loyola.org/event/june-23-25-2017-young-adult-weekend-retreat-end-series/

Our Lady of Peace Church FLEA MARKET

Saturday, June 10, 2017 8:00 am to 2:00 pm

at the OLP Parish Center

Franklin Ave. & Amboy Ave. in Edison

**If you are interested in being a vendor, call or text Michael at 732-221-0976 or email at

mchundak@gmail.com.

You Can Save Your Marriage! Retrouvaille ~

A lifeline for troubled marriages Has your marriage become unloving or uncaring--your relationship grown cold, distant--thinking about a separation or divorce? Are you already separated/divorced but (both of you) wish to try again--then the Retrouvaille program may help you.

RETROUVAILLE (Rediscovery) sponsored by the Family Life Office/Diocese of Metuchen consists of a weekend experience for couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions.

The next program initiates the weekend of September 15-17, 2017. All inquiries are confidential. For further information, please call the Family Life Office 732-243-4573, Rich and Annette Colasuonno 732-236-0671 or Tom & Pat McTague 732-583-4468 (evenings).

A mother called her son on Sunday morning to make sure he got out of bed and was ready for church. “I’m not going,” he replied. “Yes, you are going, so get out of that bed!” his mother demanded. “Give me one good reason why I should go,” said her son. “I’ll give you three good reasons. One, I’m your mother, and I say you’re going. Two, you’re forty years old, so you’re old enough to know better. And three, you’re the pastor, so you need to be there.”