The Baptism of the Lord – January 13, 2019

Church The Catholic Church of St. Ann is open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. for prayer and meditation.

Daily Mass Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. First Friday: 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (only when school is in session) & 7:00 p.m.

Weekend Mass Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Holy Day Mass Vigil: 7:00 p.m. Holy Day: 7:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. (weekdays)

Penance/Reconciliation Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

St. Ann School Pre-K - 8th Grade

Our dedicated and experienced faculty are committed to providing a quality education focused on Faith, Family and Community. Call Sr. Margaret Mary Hanlon in the School Office or email her at mhanlon@stannparish.com to register your child(ren). Contact our school at 908-725-7787 to make an appointment to tour the school.

Church Calendar Can be found on our website under NEW! Parish Calendar of Events

St. Ann PREP 1 - 8th Grade Monday: 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday: 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Call Sr. Phyllis Vella in the Parish Office or email her at pvella@stannparish.com to register your child(ren).

Special Needs PREP 1 - 8th Grade Thursday: 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Call Sr. Phyllis Vella in the Parish Office or email her at pvella@stannparish.com to register your child(ren).

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Adult Confirmation

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church? Are you a Catholic who was baptized but never received the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion or Confirmation? If so, please contact Deacon John Pacifico in the Parish Office or Deacon Rick Stevens at 908-910-0309 or email him at rstevens@stannparish.com.

Donations by Electronic Giving The Catholic Church of St. Ann offers parishioners the opportunity to make Online church and school contributions! Log onto www.stannparish.com, scroll down, click on give Online with WeShare. You will be connected to a secure site to enter your information. Thank you for your continued support!

Registration Any new family or adult 18 and over, who has moved into the parish, are invited to stop by the Parish Office to complete a new parishioner form. Please notify us of any change of address.

Parish Office Hours Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Parish Mission Statement

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we, the Catholic Church of St. Ann, embrace all as family and continue Christ's mission by exemplifying the love of God and neighbor as stewards of God's gifts to us.

45 Anderson Street; Raritan, NJ 08869 Telephone: 908-725-1008 • Fax: 908-707-1915

Website: www.stannparish.com Email: info@stannparish.com

Facebook: The Catholic Church of St. Ann- Raritan, NJ

School: 29 Second Avenue; Raritan, NJ 08869 Telephone: 908-725-7787 • Fax: 908-541-9335

Facebook: St. Ann School

Convent: 29 Second Avenue; Raritan, NJ 08869 Telephone: 908-725-2256

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Permanent Deacons Deacon John Pacifico Deacon Roy Rabinowitz Deacon Rob Sause Deacon Rick Stevens

Office Staff Mr. Miguel De Jesus, Director of Sacred Music Mrs. Christine Esposito, Social Ministry Mr. Lou Falconeri, Plant Manager Ms. Barbara Russell, Administrative Assistant

Sacramental Information Baptism

Sundays at 1:30 p.m. (must be scheduled with the Parish Office) Instructions for new parents take place on the first Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. Please call Mrs. Christine Esposito at the Parish Office or email her at cesposi-to@stannparish.com to make arrangements.

Baptism Godparents Must be 16 years old, registered as an adult and be confirmed in the Catholic Church. If you are married, your marriage must be recognized by the church. This is especially important if you wish to be a Godparent for Baptism. It takes six months of attending Mass to be eligible for this privilege.

Penance/Reconciliation We invite you to participate in the Penance & Reconciliation at the times specified in the front of this bulletin.

Holy Eucharist We invite you to participate in the Holy Eucharist daily at the times specified on the front of this bulletin. If you have not had the opportunity to make your Holy Communion, please contact the Parish Office.

Confirmation Sponsors Must be 16 years old, registered as an adult and be confirmed in the Catholic Church. If you are married, your marriage must be recognized by the church. This is especially important if you wish to be a Sponsor for Confirmation. It takes six months of attending Mass to be eligible for this privilege.

Marriage The common policy of marriage requires that arrangements with the church be made at least one year before the date of marriage and before any social plans are made. Either the Bride or Groom must be a registered parishioner. If you would like to get more information about getting married, please contact the Parish Office.

Ministry Information Ministry to the Poor

We help those who are experiencing financial difficulties with food, clothing, shelter, rent, PSE&G, and water bills. Please call Mrs. Christine Esposito at the Parish Office or email her at cesposito@stannparish.com.

Ministry to the Sick/Homebound Parishioners who are homebound are visited by our Deacons, Religious & Extraordinary Ministers. If you know of someone that is seriously ill or hospitalized, please contact the Parish Office.

Ministry to those that are pregnant and/or thinking of an abortion

We are building a culture of Life through prayer and action serving our community, state and country. We pray and serve along with the Pregnancy Aid and Information Center, helping those in crisis pregnancies and moms in need. Please call at 908-256-8121 (24-hour hotline).

Parish Ministries

The Baptism of the Lord – January 13, 2019

Under the Pastoral Care of the Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri

V. Rev. Peter R. Cebulka, C.O., Provost Rev. Thomas Odorizzi, C.O., Pastor

todorizzi@stannparish.com

Community of Religious Teachers of St. Lucy Filippini Sister Margaret Mary Hanlon, MPF, School Principal/Superior Sister Dolores Toscano, MPF, Pastoral Associate Sister Phyllis Vella, MPF, Director of Religious Education

Knights of Columbus News and Events

• The next Knight of Columbus meeting is Jan. 14th at 7:45 pm in the Church Meeting Room.

• Our next Parish Breakfast is Sunday, Feb. 10th from 8:00 am-11:00 am in the school cafeteria.

Santo Nino

• January 10 –January 18, 2019: 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers in the Church

• January 19, 2019: 5:30 pm Santo Nino Mass followed by celebration in the school cafeteria

Pray the Pro Life Rosary Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30pm(following 7:00 pm Holy Mass) & every third Tuesday of the month .

Pro Life Ministry

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From the desk of…

Bishop James F. Checchio

January 12, 2019

The Catholic Church of St. Ann, Raritan, New Jersey

Each year, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. The Holy Father plans to add a prayer intention each month related to current events or urgent needs, like disaster relief. The urgent prayer request will help mobilize prayer and action related to the urgent situation. The Holy Father has entrusted these intentions in a particular way to the Apostleship of Prayer, an organization that works to encourage Christians to respond to the Pope's appeal and to deepen their daily prayer.

That young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to

the world.

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for January 2019

Young People and the Example of Mary

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions

Pope Francis

General Audience

January 2, 2019

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

A new year has begun, one of spiritual awakening in prep-aration of the consecration of our diocese to Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A time when we prayerfully work toward a renewed commitment to living the Gospel message to the full.

One beautiful example of the Gospel message being lived to its fullest may be seen in the work of our Catholic schools. I have been fortunate to have visited with the students, faculty and staff in each of them. They are a demonstration of God’s kingdom at work - places where the Gospel is preached, missionary disciples are formed, community is built and confidence in the blessing of God's mercy and justice is instilled in our youth – all while they continue to outperform schools in the public and private sector in terms of test scores, high school graduation rates, and college attendance.

Next Sunday our parishes will offer a special collection that supports the Foundation for Catholic Education’s an-nual scholarship program. This program provides need-based grants to children attending a Catholic elementary or high school in our Diocese. Your generous response last year sent over 100 children to school in September!

I have seen first-hand the impact of your purpose-filled gift, the joy of the children learning in a nurturing and challenging environment, and the great promise of those who will be graduating this June. What a beautiful way to make a difference in so many young lives. Thank you!

You, and others inspired by you, have the chance to change a child’s life forever by giving them the gift of a Catholic school education. Please be as generous as your means allow.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ, Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen P.S. We celebrate the ministry of Catholic Education dur-ing Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 27 – February 2, 2019. If you are interested in giving your chil-dren or grandchildren the advantage of a great Catholic education, please visit https://diometuchen.org/csw.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

In the joy of the Christmas season, we now resume our catechesis on the Lord’s Prayer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives us this prayer during the Sermon on the Mount, which begins with the Beatitudes. In proclaiming blessed those who are poor, meek, merciful and humble, Jesus teaches that they usher in God’s Kingdom. The Law, with its commandments, thus finds its fulfilment in the Gospel of love and reconciliation. Jesus, the incarnate Son, makes us his brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. Before giving us the “Our Father”, however, Jesus first warns us of two obstacles to prayer. The first is hypocrisy, outward show without inward conversion and humility. The second is mere formality and wordiness, presenting petitions without a spirit of quiet openness to God’s will. Our prayer must instead be that of sons and daughters, trusting in the Father who knows what we need even before we ask him. In this spirit, we can lift up our minds and hearts to the Father and dare to pray in the words his Son has given us.

The Baptism of the Lord – January 13, 2019

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Reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary with Fulton Sheen’s “World’s First Love”

Next Meeting: Jan 25 at 7:30pm St. Ann’s Church Meeting Room (Chapters 1-3). The evening will include a brief reflection, discussion, and close with communal prayer.

Open to all parishioners college age and over. Hosted by Aquinas & More (Local Young Adult Professionals)

Future Dates: Feb 8, Feb 22; Mar 8, March 22; Apr 26; May 10, May 24;

Jun 28; Jul 12 and July 26

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The Catholic Church of St. Ann, Raritan, New Jersey

May God protect the men & women serving in our Nation’s Armed Forces.

Pray for the souls of those who have given their lives in service to our country.

LtCol Michael A. De Cicco; U.S. Army

Victor Dulay, Jr; U.S. Marine Corps

PFC Gavin John; U.S. Marine Corps

LCpl Matthew John; U.S. Marine Corps

CW4 Michael Lopez, Jr.

PFC Vincenzo Mattei; U.S. Army

Maj Michael Morella; U.S. Army

Sgt Dan Neville; U.S. Marine Corps

Zack Orecchio; U.S. Navy

Pvt Tayla Rasmusson; U.S. Marine Corps

PFC Daniel J. Salvo; U.S. Marine Corps

Cpl Jonathan Schultes; U.S. Marine Corps

LtCol Louis P. Simon; U.S. Marine Corps

PFC Jerome C. Sunga; U.S. Army

Jack Vara; U.S. Marine Corps

PFC Daniel Viscariello; U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt Janet Wyka; U.S. Army

Capt Kaitlyn Zimmitti; U.S. Air Force

We ask God’s blessing for the strengthening and healing of our sick and homebound:

Anna Carra, Bruno Cirianni, Frank Cirianni, Mary Contino,Maria Anastasia D’Amore, Elyse,

Frank DiBetta, Mary Felice, Frank Forte, Cindy Galvacky, Anthony Gambino, Arlene Gambino,

Paul Gambino, Sara Gendlek, Victor Laggini, Gloria A. Lamaestra, Brianna Rose Larson,

MaryAnn Mangiaracina, Mark Marshall, Susan Maurice, Austin McNamara, Lori Monaghan,

Ann Navatto, Don Palumbo, Joe Pastore, Marie Richardson, Joseph Sgro, Cathy Stinziano, Danny Tibaldi,

Joseph Tomaio, Rose Tozzi, Ron Wyka, Alex Zachok, Betty Zimmitti

All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks, unless otherwise requested.

Altar Candle #1 for Howard Condo, Jr. Requested by Esther Condo

St. Joseph Lamp for Francesco Calo

Requested by Calo Family

Pray for those who are Sick in our Community

Pray for those in the Military

This Week’s Daily Bible Readings

Mass Intentions

Monday, January 14 7:00 a.m. Alberto Falco by Rose and Michael D’Angelo 7:00 p.m. Living and Deceased Members of the Knights of

Columbus

Tuesday, January 15 7:00 p.m. Mary Ann Ferrara by Frank and Ruth Ann Kerr

Wednesday, January 16

7:00 a.m. Angela Papasidero by Mr. and Mrs. Biagio Laurito

Thursday, January 17

7:00 p.m. Mary Ann Ferrara by Marie, Amanda and Alex

Friday, January 18

7:00 a.m. Maria Barbieri by Pat Barbieri

Saturday, January 19 9:00 a.m. Rene Crisolog by the Pena Family 4:00 p.m. Gabriele DiNella by wife, Maria

Sunday, January 20

7:30 a.m. People of the Parish 10:00 a.m. Theresa Matteis by her niece 12:00 p.m. Armondo Casola by Alberto and Antoinette Falco 5:00 p.m. Michele L. Biedrzycki by the Biedrzycki Family

Altar Candles & Sanctuary Lamps are burning this week for:

The Oratorian community invites everyone to take part in a Eucharistic Holy Hour offered on the third Sunday of each month. This hour of Adoration includes readings, song, silent prayer, and concludes with Benediction. The next Holy Hour will be held on Sunday, January 20 at 3:30 pm in St. Ann’s Church, Raritan.

Eucharistic Holy Hour

Sunday Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Acts 10:34-38; Lk 3:15-16, 21-22 Monday Heb 1:1-6; Mk 1:14-20 Tuesday Heb 2:5-12; Mk 1:21-28

Wednesday Heb 2:14-18; Mk 1:29-39 Thursday Heb 3:7-14; Mk 1:40-45 Friday Heb 4:1-5, 11; Mk 2:1-12 Saturday Heb 4:12-16; Mk 2:13-17

Why can’t we songs like “Mary Did You Know”? It’s a religious song.

Many times, one quickly hears a song which fills them with awe and beauty. We immediately want to hear songs like this frequently because they stir up such emotions we believe we should be having during a spiritual experience. We must also look at music a lot more critically. Songs like this have text that are not in accord with Catholic teaching. In this example, the lyrics ask, “Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?” and “Mary did you know that . . . the child that you delivered would soon deliver you?” While the first question could be answered with a simple “Yes! That’s what his name means,” the second question is problematic. This question implies that she needed to be delivered/saved, but we believe as Catholics that Mary was conceived without original sin and was assumed into heaven. She did not need to be saved/delivered because she was without sin. While this might seem insignificant to some, songs and hymns we sing are tools for teaching our faith. Because we are instructed to spread the faith, we must be more careful with what we sing.

St. Ann Parish Music Corner

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The Baptism of the Lord – January 13, 2019

Parish Events Sunday, January 13 1:00 pm Santo Nino meeting (SC) 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C) 8

Monday, January 14 6:15 pm PREP (S) 7:45 pm Knights of Columbus Meeting (CMR) 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C)

Tuesday, January 15 7:30 pm Social Ministry Meeting (PMR) 7:30 pm Bingo (SC)

8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C)

Wednesday, January 16 2:30 pm School Choir (C) 6:45 pm Choir Practice (C) 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C)

Thursday, January 17 6:15 pm PREP (S) 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C)

Friday, January 18 8:00 pm Santo Nino Novena Prayers (C)

Saturday, January 19 5:30 pm Santo Nino Mass followed by Santo Nino Celebration (C and SC)

Sunday, January 20 8:30am St. Ann’s Blood Drive (CMR) 3:30pm Eucharistic Holy Hour (C)

[C = Church, CMR = Church Meeting Room, CL = Church Loft, PMR = Parish Meeting Room, S = School, SC = School Cafeteria, SL=School Library]

PREP Program Reminders Weekly Offering...December 30, 2018

Come share a simple meal of “bowl-worthy” foods prepared by outstanding local restaurants. Take home a bowl, handmade by local artists, as a reminder of all the empty bowls in our community and around the world. Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 1:00-5:00 pm at the Double Tree by Hilton, 200 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ. For more information or to purchase tickets go to: www.emptybowlsfranklin.com, $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Children’s prices are available.

Franklin Food Bank First Annual EmptyBowls

Total: $ 13,869.00

First Collection: $ 7,321.00 Second Collection (Grounds Maintenance): $ 1.759.00 Online Offering: $ 2,661.00 Other: $ 2,128.00 ____________________________________________________________ New Year’s Day (includes online offering): $ 2,602.00

Catholic Schools Week Open House Dates

Monday, January 27, 2019: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. following 10:00 a.m. Mass Tuesday, January 29, 2019: 9:30 a.m. –11:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2019: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Request a tour by calling: (908) 725-7787 www.stannparish.com/schoolsite

Our Smarter Start Program provides: competitive high-quality academic programs,

certified teachers, faith-based caring environment, full-day program and after care.

Please join us in Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, Friday, January 18th from 12:00pm-6:45pm followed by 7:00pm Mass. This is a collaborated effort between St. Ann’s and Holy Trinity. To sign up to pray in Adoration, a Holy Hour for life, con-tact Ken & Madeline: (908) 872-0282

Eucharistic Adoration at Holy Trinity Parish

Weekly Offering...January 6, 2010 Total: $ 13,240.50

First Collection: $ 7,797.00 Second Collection (Together in Charity): $ 1,839.00 Online Offering: $ 2,940.50 Other: $ 664.00

Thank you for your generosity to our parish.

Families Affected by Mental Health Issues

A Catholic Prayer and Support Group for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues will take place at St. Patrick’s Church in Belvidere, NJ on February 6, March 13, April-December (first Wednesday of each month) at 10:00am and 7:00pm. The facilitator will be Elaine Eckard, President of the Warren County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots organization on mental illness. For more information please call the Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities at (732) 765-6432 or email: catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

St. Ann’s School Garage Sale - Save the Date

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 in the School Cafeteria. Details about donation collection will follow.

Immaculata Memorial Mass

A special liturgy will be held in memory of alumni, faculty and staff on Sunday, February 10th at 1:00 pm in the school gym of Immaculata High School. If you went to Im-maculata or have a deceased relative who went there or taught there please join us. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the cafeteria. If you plan on attending please call Terri Sapp at (908) 722-0200, xt. 223 or click on to: https://www.immaculatahighschool.org/advancement/spartan memorial mass

• February 10, 2019, 10:00 am Mass (parents and chil-dren preparing for the Sacrament of Communion)

• February 10, 2019, 12pm Mass (parents and candi-dates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation)

• February 10, 2019, 1:00pm Group Session in the school cafeteria (candidates preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation)