MASS SCHEDULE Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 6:00 PM (Vigil Mass) Sunday: 7:30 & 9:30 AM English 11:00 AM Italian 12:30 PM English (Family Mass) 7:00 PM Portuguese Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 7:00 PM (Wednesday evening only) Other Services & Activities: Monday to Saturday: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer Tuesdays: 9:00 AM Legion of Mary 7:30 PM Holy Rosary Society (Apr 1) 8:00 PM Holy Rosary in Portuguese Wednesdays: 7:00 PM Mass & Perpetual Novena 7:30 PM Holy Rosary in Italian Thursdays: 2:00 PM Bible Study in Italian 6:15 to 7:15 PM Holy Hour for Vocations (Mar 13, 20 & 27) 7:30 PM V.A.U.S. (Mar 27) 8:30 PM Rosary by Brazilian Men (Mar 13) Fridays: 7:30 PM Bible Study in English 8:30 PM Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Fridays: 5:30 to 8:30 PM Blessed Sacrament Adoration (Apr 4)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., Administrator Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Chris Iwunze, S.D.V., in residence 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: Classes are held on Sundays, from Janu-ary to April at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

1 1 1ststst Sunday of Lent Sunday of Lent Sunday of Lent

March 9, 2014 March 9, 2014 March 9, 2014

Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit and there he fasted for forty days and forty nights

(Matthew 4:1-11).

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustee: Giovanni Simone Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, Kelly Oliveira Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director; Sr. Antonietta Cioce, S.D.V., Sr. Ermelita (Amy) Gella, S.D.V. and Sr. Meltiana Ding, 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 Interparochial Academy Sponsored by St. Nicholas, St. Michael and St. Matthew Pre-K to Grade 8: 312 First Street, Palisades Park, NJ Principal: Ms. Rita Miragliotta

MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, March 8 7:00AM Nicolina Piccinich by daughter Anna 8:00AM Nicolo Bussanich by John & Dina Mirkovich 6:00PM(Vigil) Filomena Lofaro by Rosa Maisano SUNDAY, March 9 7:30AM All souls in purgatory by Michael & Eileen Murphy 9:30AM Carmen Castro by daughter Anna 11:00AM Giuseppe Velardo by son 12:30PM John & Nicolina Mattessich by John & Maryann 7:00PM People of the Parish MONDAY, March 10 7:00AM Ivan Lisica by wife Regina 8:00AM Nicolo Bussanich by John Piccinich TUESDAY, March 11 7:00AM Bernardo Mirkovic by Anna Hroncich 8:00AM Anita & Dominic Gherardi by daughter WEDNESDAY, March 12 7:00AM Michele, Maria Antonia & Olga by Lorenzo fam. 8:00AM Caterina Mircovich by Mirkovich family 7:00PM Living & deceased priests & religious by Murphy fam. THURSDAY, March 13 7:00AM Marcela Lisica by daughter-in-law Regina 8:00AM Mario Hroncich by M/M Martino Matesic FRIDAY, March 14 7:00AM Lubiza Mattessich by daughter Maria 8:00AM Lubiza Matesic by M/M Albino Matesic SATURDAY, March 15 7:00AM Anna Mandrafina by M/M Anthony Martino 8:00AM Maria Matesich by Anton Piccinich & family 6:00PM(Vigil) Filomena Lofaro by Rosa Maisano SUNDAY, March 16 7:30AM Murphy, Foca & Gabay families by family 9:30AM Giuseppe Osso by Paul & Suzanne Magnone 11:00AM Francesco Parisi by son 12:30PM Giuseppe Osso by M/M Salvatore Guglielmo 7:00PM People of the Parish

LENT OBSERVANCE: Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence. These are serious commitments for Catholics to live the Lenten season (age 14-59). Fast: only one full and simple meal, either lunch or dinner. Abstinence: from all kinds of meat.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS - Every Friday at 7:30 PM in church during Lent, starting this Friday. We invite all to participate.

ST. JOSEPH’S TABLES - “Poor Man’s Dinner” in honor of St. Joseph will be on Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 PM - Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for 6-13 years old - on sale in the rectory office. On Sunday, March 16 we will have the St. Joseph’s Tables with sale of ZEPPOLE, homemade breads, cakes and Italian goods from 8:00 to 2:00 PM. On Wednesday, March 19, Feast of St. Joseph, we will celebrate mass at 7:00 PM followed by coffee and cake in the Church Hall. This fundraiser event is organized by the Group of Prayer for Vocations “Blessed Fr. Justin” and will benefit the Vocationist Missions around the world.

There will be no CCD CLASSES next Sunday, March 16. Classes resume on March 23.

News of the Parish

Holy Hour for Vocations Every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in church

~ Except on eve of first Fridays ~

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

In Memoriam

ALTAR CANDLES donated this week in memory of

Peter “Doc” Pallotta by Christie & Jimmy Marohn

SANCTUARY LAMP donated this week in memory of

Steve Silva by Ann & Harry Kruger

Tuesday, March 10 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary in the Blessed Mother’s room 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary in the Brazilian families Wednesday, March 11 7:00 PM - Mass & Perpetual Novena in church 7:30 PM - Holy Rosary in Italian in church Thursday, March 12 2:00 PM - Bible study in Italian in the Bl. Mother’s room 6:15 to 7:15 PM - Holy Hour of Adoration in church Friday, March 13 7:30 PM - Stations of the Cross in church 8:30 PM - Brazilian prayer meeting in the church hall

Ministers’ Schedule for March 16

6:00 PM: Lectors - Carmela B. E.M. - Claudia 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael and Linda 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina E.M. - Suzanne, Carol and Sr. Meltiana 11:00 AM: Lectors - Maria M. and Lucia E.M. - Francesca, Antonia and Carmela A. 12:30 PM : Lector - Youth E.M. - Rita, Wendy and Roberto 7:00 PM Lectors - Katia, Laine e Patricia E.M. - Cida, Leo and Ieda

Page 3 March 9, 2014

1st SUNDAY OF LENT

THE WAY OUT

Today's readings launch us into Lent with the story of salvation. How did we humans get where we are? How do we get out? Genesis--through the Adam and Eve narrative--explains that we got separated from God and happiness through greed, selfishness, arrogance.

But, as Paul explained to the Romans, God has not abandoned us, and never will. We get out through the "new Adam," Jesus Christ, through whom the death of sin is conquered by the life of "overflowing grace."

From the start, though, Jesus--like Adam and Eve, like you and me--had to face "the tempter." Shown fame and wealth, he was tempted to grab for it. But Jesus saw through such foolishness. During Lent we will look at what the tempter spreads before us daily, then try to make choices that put us on the side of the angels. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Today, we know more about the beginnings of Lent than our ancestors did. We know that Lent is first of all about baptism, and secondly that it is about the desire of all the baptized to renew the power and potential of that sacrament at Easter.

For centuries, this deep truth was largely obscured, but today documents have come to light to reshape the

Church's thinking and practice. One source, discovered in the 1880s, is the pilgrim diary of a Spanish nun, Egeria, writing her sisters a detailed travelogue of a fourth-century sojourn in Jerusalem during Holy Week. She describes in vivid detail her participation in liturgies that

are close cousins of our own Holy Week prayer, from a festive procession with palms to a procession to the cross. Her greatest delight is in the huge number of elect: men, women,

and children who experience a time of deep retreat and identification with Christ's cross, guided by the bishop and

supported by their godparents' constant nurture. The discovery of Egeria's diary proved to be a moment of grace for the

Church; after a long period of "ecclesial amnesia," we know at last that baptism is really the work of a whole

community of faith, convened by God. --Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Pastoral CarePastoral Care

Events of the WeekEvents of the Week

Matrimony: Rebecca Hernandez & Filipi Favarato (3/8)

Holy Communion was brought last week to: Valen-tine Miele, Alexander Mauro, Augustine Morin, Mary Ostuni, and Sheila Hutchinson.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Dinaro, Maria Hughes, Pete Giannantonio, Carmen Vernillo, Anne Ring, Lorenzo Cafasso, Dennis and Josephine Dolberry.

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

FOR COLLECTION AMOUNT PLEASE CHECK BULLETIN PAPER EDITION

This week 2nd collection will be ASSESSMENT-FREE (yellow envelopes)

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND TALENT

We are grateful to our parishioners who participated in the preparations of the MARDI GRAS PARTY last Tuesday, and all families

and children who attended the event, even under so cold temperature.

Vocationist Corner

“JUSTINIAN YEAR” September 20, 2013

to September 20, 2014

Grant me that I may react to any form of evil with every

offensive and defensive weapon, with all human and divine reasoning, with natural and supernatural

means; grant that I may lead and involve all the brethren in this fight which is so worthy of You,

my God. O my God and my All…

Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo, SDV, Spirit of Prayer, page 94

For more information on Blessed Fr. Justin, please visit VOCATIONISTFATHERS.ORG

BIBLE STUDY IN ENGLISH

Those interested in attending this Bible Study group, please come and join us. The classes are held in the church hall every Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

Due to the large group of parishioners and friends attending these classes — we have relocated them to the church hall.

Bring your Bible!

For more information please contact the rectory’s office at 201-944-1154 or by email: stnicholas07650@live.com

THE SANCTUARY OF OUR THE SANCTUARY OF OUR THE SANCTUARY OF OUR CHURCH IS GETTING A NEW CHURCH IS GETTING A NEW CHURCH IS GETTING A NEW LOOKLOOKLOOK - As you can see, the flooring has al-ready been renovated and it looks beautiful. We are acquiring a new altar, lectern and tabernacle pedestal. The tabernacle has been moved to the center of the altar, as JESUS is the center of our lives. Come and see the changes already made. If all goes well, by the end of March we will have the sanctuary totally renewed.

PILGRIMAGE RESCHEDULED

Our pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land has been rescheduled. Due to the high cost of the trip, we were not able to reach the necessary number of people requested by the travel agency. We are planning another trip for October 27 and it will cost $600.00 less. If you would like to go, please let us know by calling the rectory’s office at 201-944-1154.

2014 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASSES at the Cathedral Basilica of Sacred Heart in Newark for couples celebrating their 50th Anniversaries the mass will be on Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 PM, and those cele-

brating 25th and 5th Anniversaries it will be on Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 PM.

Please come to the rectory office for registration ~ Deadline is March 28 ~

ST. JOSEPH’S ST. JOSEPH’S ST. JOSEPH’S TABLESTABLESTABLES

Poor Man’s Dinner Saturday, March 15 at 7:00 PM TICKETS : $ 20.00—adults and

$10.00—6 to 13 years old

St. Joseph’s Table Sunday, March 16 from 8:00 to 2:00 PM

Sale of Zeppole and Italian goods

Feast of St. Joseph Wednesday, March 19 at 7:00 PM

Holy Mass, followed by coffee & cake

Archbishop’s Annual Appeal “When I called, you answered”

Thank you for your support of the 2014 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, which helps bring to reality the ex-perience of welcome and affirmation for individuals and families living with disabilities in the Archdio-cese of Newark.

If you haven’t sent your pledge yet you can drop your envelope

into this Sunday’s collection baskets

NOTRE DAME INTERPAROCHIAL ACADEMY will be performing “Annie Jr.” on April 4 & 5 at 7:00 PM

and April 6 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available at the door. Hope to see you there!

SWING INTO SPRING DINNER DANCE—All You Can Eat Buffet and Live Music Entertainment by “Jumpin Drag-ons” on Saturday, March 22 at 6:00 PM at Epiphany Church in Cliffside Park, NJ. Tickets are $30.00 per per-son, available at the Rectory. No tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Epiphany Heritage Fund.

CONTEMPLATION AND ACTION Those who wish to hold the fortress of contemplation

must first of all train in the camp of action. —Pope St. Gregory the Great

SERVE THE POOR Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them as you would Christ himself.

—St. Louise de Marillac

What Is Lent?What Is Lent?What Is Lent? Lent is the penitential season of approximately 40 days set aside by the Church in order for the faithful to prepare for the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. During this holy season, inextricably connected to the Paschal Mystery, the Catechumens pre-pare for Christian initiation, and current Church members prepare for Easter by a recalling of Baptism and by works of penance, that is, prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Even in the early Church, Lent was the season for prayerful and penitential preparation for the feast of Easter. Though the obligation of penance was originally only imposed on those who had committed public sins and crimes, by medieval times all the faithful voluntarily per-formed acts of penance to repair for their sins.

Ash Wednesday is the clarion call to “Repent and believe the gospel” (Mk 1:15). For the next forty days, the faithful willingly submit to fasting and self-denial in imita-tion of Our Lord’s forty-day fast in the desert. It is in these dark and still nights, these desert-times, that the soul ex-periences its greatest growth. There, in the inner arena, the soul battles the world, the flesh and the devil just as Our Lord battled Satan's triple temptation in the desert. His battle was external, for Jesus could not sin; our battle is interior, but with a hope sustained by the knowledge of Christ’s Easter victory over sin and death.

His victory is our renewal, our “spring” — which is the meaning of the Anglo-Saxon word, “lengten” or Lent. In this penitential season we have the opportunity to make an annual spiritual “tune-up”, a 40-day retreat with Our Lord. Have we allowed worldly cares and the “daily drama” to obscure our call to holiness? Have self-love and

materialism eroded our relationship with God? Then let us re-new our efforts, and through our Lenten observance, disci-pline the body and master it as we “follow in the foot-steps of the poor and crucified Christ” (St. Francis of Assisi). Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is actually forty-six days before Easter. We say that Lent is forty days in number because the six Sundays are ex-cluded from the rig-

ors of Lent in order to afford the faithful a time to pause and rejuvenate, gathering new strength. Since the restruc-turing of the Liturgical Year after Vatican II, the Easter Triduum, which begins on Holy Thursday, is not included in the Lenten season, so the actual days of rigorous Lenten observance are approximately forty days.

The number forty is found frequently in scripture to signify either a time of penitential preparation, or a time of punishment and affliction sent from God. The Old Testament is replete with examples of the use of forty: God punished mankind by sending a flood over the earth that lasted forty days and forty nights (Gen 7:12); the people of Ninevah repented with forty days of fasting when Jonah preached the destruction of Ninevah (Jonah 3:4); Moses and the Hebrew people wandered in the desert for forty years (Num 14:34); the Prophet Ezekiel had to lie on his right side for forty days as a figure of the siege that was to bring Jerusalem to destruction (Ez 4:6); the Prophet Elijah fasted and prayed on Mount Horeb for forty days (1 Kings 19:8); and finally, Moses fasted forty days and forty nights while on Mt. Sinai (Ex 34:28).

In the New Testament we find Our Lord fasting and praying for forty days and forty nights in the desert in preparation for the public ministry that would end in his redeeming death (Luke 5:35). He is the new Adam who overcomes the temptations of the devil and remains faith-ful to God; the new Israel, who reveals himself as God’s Servant by his total obedience to the divine will, in con-trast to those who provoked God in the desert. The Church sets aside the forty days of Lent in order that we might imitate Our Lord by our fasting, prayer, self-denial and good works, and thereby prepare our hearts for an Easter renewal. “By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the de-sert.” (Catholic Catechism, #540).