The Return of the Prodigal Son St. Luke 15

St. Catherine’s Church; Middletown, N.J.

Lent Sunday IV

TODAY’S LITURGY: Fourth Sunday of Lent READINGS: RED HYMNAL # 802 Processional Hymn: Jesus, grant me this, I pray, ever in thy heart to stay; let me evermore abide hidden in thy wounded side.

If the evil one prepare, or the world, a tempting snare, I am safe when I abide in thy heart and wounded side.

If the flesh, more dangerous still, tempt my soul to deeds of ill, naught I fear when I abide in thy heart and wounded side.

Death will come one day to me; Jesus, cast me not from thee: dying let me still abide in thy heart and wounded side. Gradual (Psalm 34) Taste and see the Goodness of the Lord Offertory Hymn: CREDO # 175 HOSEA Communion Hymn: CREDO # 562 Where Charity and Love Prevail Recessional Hymn: CREDO # 330 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

THE INTERCESSIONS: Litany of Penitence.

P: As we enter this mid-point of our Lenten Fast, let us with humble heart come before the Lord acknowledging our faults, and seeking His mercy. Our response will be: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

We have not loved You with our whole heart, mind and strength. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have not forgiven others, as we have been forgiven. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

We have been deaf to Your call to serve as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved Your Holy Spirit. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US We confess to You Lord, all our past unfaithfulness: the pride, hypocrisy and impatience of our lives. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

We confess to You our self indulgent appetites and sinful ways, and our exploitation of other people For our own good. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

We confess to You our intemperate love of worldly goods and comforts, and our dishonesty in daily life and work, our negligence in prayer and worship and our failure to commend the faith that is within us. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

Accept our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done; for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty of heart. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

For all false judgements, for uncharitable thoughts toward our neighbors, and for our prejudice and contempt toward those who differ from us. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

For our waste and pollution of Your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

We commend to Your merciful love O God, all who are sick and suffering in body, mind or spirit, and pray for all who have died embracing the Christian faith. Christ hear us: CHRIST GRACIOUSLY HEAR US

P: Restore us, good Lord, and let Your anger depart from us; favorably hear our prayer, for Your mercy is great. Accomplish in us the work of Your salvation. That we may forth Your glory in the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

S. Luke 15

I shall arise and go to my father and I shall

say to him, “Father, I have sinned

against heaven and against you.

I no longer deserve to be called

your son; treat me as you would treat

one of your hired workers.”’

HEALING GRACE OF REPENTANCE

Psalm 34

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

HEALING

GRACE OF CONFESSION

For those not receiving Holy Communion we offer the following prayer.

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen (St. Alphonsus Ligouri)

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:30am- 4:00pm OFFICE ADDRESS: 130 Bray Avenue, Middletown N.J. CONTACT: Parish Office: 732-787-1318 Fax: 732-787-2851; Rel. Ed/Ministry: 732-495-7779; Parish Hall: 732-787-2869; Thrift Shop: 732-787-2836; Web Site: www.stcathek.org; Email: stcathek1@aol.com

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound: To arrange Communion for the homebound, or for the Sacrament of the Sick, call the parish office.

Sacrament of Baptism: Arrangements must be made through the parish office. Infants should be baptized as soon as possible.

Sacrament of Matrimony: According to Diocesan policy, marriage arrangements must be made at least nine months prior to the wedding date through the parish office. Either the man or woman must be registered in our parish.

Annulment Advocacy : To discuss Church Annulment procedure, or for information concerning Church Validation of a civil marriage, call the parish office to arrange a meeting with Fr. Dan.

FORMED: A Catholic Media Program you can access 24/7 from your computer, I-phone etc. Go to www.stcathek.formed.org click ’register’ follow prompts and enjoy. A GREAT RESOURCE FOR LENT

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Sat. 5:00pm & 6:30pm

Sun: 7:30am; 9:00am (Latin) 10:30am & 12:00noon

Daily: Mon.– Sat. 8:00am Monday & Friday 12:00 (Latin)

Eucharistic Adoration: Monday 8:30am-7:00pm

Novena Mass; Mon., Wed. 7:00 pm; Sat. 8:00 am

Confessions: Sat. 3:00 -4:00

Parish Staff Pastor: Very Rev. Daniel C. Hesko, VF Deacons Rev. Mr . John Or lando Rev. Mr. John McGrath (retired) Religious Education: Mrs. Jackie Callahan, M.A. Mrs. Kathleen McGuire Parish Office: Mrs. Julie Fehlhaber Mrs. Kathleen Toomey Music Director: Mrs. Karen Ohrn

WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS Monday, April 1st 8:00am Bryan Moran by Ed & Sue Corbliss Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day. 12:00 Frank Hern, Sr. by Grandson, Jackson 7:00pm Family & Friends Living and Deceased by M/M Robert Hurley Tuesday, April 2nd St. Francis of Paola 8:00am Josephine Striedl (anniv.) by Family Wednesday, April 3rd 8:00am Liv. Int. Betty & Bill Bourke by Sue Core 7:00pm St. Joseph Novena 7:45pm Bible Study Thursday, April 4th St. Isidore 8:00am Hank Adams by Peg & Mike Corcoran & Family Friday, April 5thSt. Vincent Ferrer 8:00am Patricia Crawford by Edie & Bob Dougherty 12:00noon John Hemhauser by Peg & Nancy 12:45pm Stations Saturday, April 6th 8:00am Mary Ann Takacs by Bob & Doreen

Fifth Sunday of Lent / First Sunday of the Passion

5:00pm Charles Ruvolo by Smith Family 6:30pm Deceased Cerrato Family by Family, Philip Zappoli by Roseanne & Family, Colleen Kane by Toomey Family, Robert McGowan by Hull Family, Healy Family by Peg Healy, Catherine Farragher by Mankowski Family. Sunday, April 7th 7:30am Andrew J. Hulak, Sr., by Wife Anna & Dgtr Maria 9:00am Wojciech Domecki by Brower Family, 10:30am Luis Lusquinos (bthdy) by Family, 12:00noon Pro Populo

O Worship the Lord in the The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in memory of Andrew J. Hulak, Jr & Andrew J. Hulak, Sr, gift of Anna & Maria. Blessed Mother Votive Light: For a good resolution to the abortion issue. Sacred Heart Votive Light in memory of: Walter & Peg Hesko.

LENT IS HERE LENT IS A FAST OF 40 DAYS

Friday Stations of the Cross: After the 12:00noon Mass (12:45pm) and 7:00pm (7:30pm) after Mass.

Confessions in Lent: Saturday 3:00 to 4:00pm and Monday and Friday 6:00 to 6:50pm.

Novena Masses: Monday and Wednesday at 7:00pm

Wednesday: Bible Study 7:45pm.

Enrichment Thursday: 6:30pm (in school building)

Adoration: All day Monday Daily Mass and Rosary: 8:00am

LENTEN QUIET DAY: Sunday March 31 An afternoon of Lenten prayer and reflection. Beginning at 2:00 pm in the Parish Hall. A Lenten Dinner is included ending with Vespers in Church at 7:00 pm

PENANCE: Go out of yourself to do something that will help your Spiritual Life (any of the above). Giving up a vice or habit, following the Fast through Lent (except Sunday) one full meal and two small collations. Say NO to myself to say YES to God in my life. CHARITY: Not only giving WHAT I have, but just as important giving WHO I am. Prayerfully consider your financial commitment to the parish, to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Give to a special charity. Give time to a friend or family member you’ve been intending to visit. Have a family night. REMEMBER Fr idays in Lent are days of fast and Abstinence. No meat and one full (meatless) meal and two small collations (little meals that together do not equal the full meal). The 40 Days of Lent is to be a Penitential Season in which we deny ourselves in a very specific way in prayer, fasting/penance and charity.

ADULT LENTEN QUIET DAY: SUNDAY, MARCH 31th

An afternoon of Lenten prayer and reflec-tion. Beginning at 2:30 pm in the Parish Hall. A Dinner is included ending with Ves-pers in Church at 7:30 pm

Our Theme for the Day is LORD TEACH US TO PRAY

Speaking and Listening to God

OUR PARISH ST. VINCENT De PAUL FOOD PANTRY: EASTER 2019

Easter is on the way!! Our food pantry is in need of the following items: Coffee, Sugar , Brownie Mix, Instant Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetables, Pasta Sauce, Canned Fruit, Bottled Juice, Hams, Gift cards are always welcome and allows us to purchase perishable items, and Candy for the children. Easter boxes will be distributed on April 11th and 12th.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, April 3rd from 9:00am to 10:30am and 6:00 to 8:00pm.

St. Mary School is a supportive school community that offers encouragement for every student’s success. They offer ten sports, including Middle School football, an aftercare program, SMART Boards, laptops and I pads are accessible at all grade levels. For more information call 732-671-0129.

In your charity please remember to pray for: Monica Gilk, Francis Giacalone, Madeline & Wayne Wildrick, Karen Conte, Amy Lober, Connie Kenworthy, Johanna Giasullo, Peg Healy, Ann Bolger, Keith Thomas, Jim Murphy, Ed Cooney, Patrick Lipka, Patrick Smith, Maria Lonseth, Marge Brand, Anthony DelaTacoma, Sr., Ruth Alaia, Kathleen Toomey, Julia Fehlhaber, Rev. Josh Keeran, Ryan Hansen, Ellie Julien, Sara Jane Mauer, Thomas D. Murphy, Ana Oliveira, Michael Brothers, Deborah Snyder, Theresa Marks, Sheila Buxton, Margaret Cascone, Rachel O’Brien, Taryn Hussey, Maureen Farrell, Rich Callahan, and for the faithful departed: Barbara Molok & Kay Falco God, our loving Father, look with kindness on our broth-ers and sisters who seek Your care. In Your mercy grant health to the sick; comfort to the sorrowful, peace to the troubled, joy to the weary and eternal rest to those whose work on earth is done, and all for Jesus’ Amen

Prayer for those serving in our Military

Please remember to pray for our parishioners and friends serving this nation at home and abroad. CDR Michael Dwan; USN Major Mark Paige; USMC Patrick Gal-lagher; Staff Ssgt. Matthew Santilli; Master Ssgt. Albert DiMaggio; Lieutenant Colonel Bayard Smith; Dallas Jamison & Sgt. Timothy Hayes, Major Carlo Brancato, USMC Prayer: O God who art the lover of peace and concord. Grant to these thy servants who serve this nation, grace and strength. Preserve them we pray and shield them from all danger of body and soul; and hasten the day when they shall return to their homes and loved ones, through Christ our Lord. Amen

PRAYER FOR OUR POLICEMEN

O Almighty God, Whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the uni-verse, Watch over all policemen and law enforcement officers everywhere. Protect them from harm. In the perfor-mance of their duty to stop crime, rob-bery, riots and violence. We pray, help them keep our streets and homes safe, day and night. We commend them to your loving care because their duty is dangerous. Grant them strength and

courage in their daily assignments. Dear God, protect these brave men and women. Grant them your almighty protection. Unite them safely with their families after duty has ended. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

We Need Altar Servers. See Fr. Dan for more infor-mation. If you are unable to serve your assigned Mass try to get a replacement and notify the parish office of your replacement. TODAY: 5:00pm Fr . Dan 6:30pm Fr. Michael 7:30am Fr . Dan 9:00am Fr . Dan 10:30am Fr . Dan 12:00noon Fr . Dan Altar Servers: 5:00pm A. Alex, A. Alex & L. Luquinos 10:30am A. Lewandowski A. Gibilisco, A. Gibilisco

April 6th/7th 5:00pm Fr . Dan 6: 30pm Fr. Dan 7:30am Fr. Michael 9:00am Fr . Dan 10:30am Fr . Mat 12:00noon Fr . Mat Altar Servers; 5:00pm Gibilisco Boys 10:30am T. Cherney, P. Edinger, A. Lewandowski

HOLY NAME ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY

ALL THE FRIDAYS OF LENT DINNER MENU:

Fish: $9.00 Shrimp, Crab Cake or Combo (choice

of two items) $10.00 Seafood Platter (all three items)

$12.00. Clam Strips in a cup $3.00 Soup:

$2.00. All dinners include French Fries and

Cole slaw. Coffee and tea available with

complimentary Iced Tea. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT, WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON’T MISS OUT! PLAN TO MAKE IT YOUR LENTEN TRA-

DITION. FOR TAKE OUT CALL AHEAD

732-787-2869 April 5th, April 12th, and Good Fri-day, April 19th from 4:00 to 6:30pm.

ATLANTIC CITY BUS TRIP SAVE THE DATE Holy Name Society sponsoring a bus trip on Sunday, May 19th to Resorts Casino. For more information call Rich @732-787-1953.

WEEKLY OFFERING The First collection last week: $7,551.00. The Second collection: $1,568.00. The Second Collection today: Black and Indian Mission Office. The second collection next week: Building Fund. Thank you for your support of your parish. Fr. Dan Hesko God is generous to the generous of heart.’ Let us be generous in what we are and what we have, our time, talents and treasure.

SOUP AND SCRIPTURE: A LENTEN RETREAT WITH SAINT LUKE

We will be doing a five session retreat with saint Luke as our guide. We will include a presentation on Luke, sharing, praying for the sick and guided media-tion . Thursday evenings in the school building. April 4th and April 11th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. For more information or to register call 732-495-7779. WENDESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY After the 7:00 pm Mass. 7:45—8:30 in Church; we are beginning the 2nd Epistle of St. Peter

PALM CROSSES Once again our Rosary Altar Society will be offering Palm Crosses. The deadline to order is Tuesday, April 9th, they can be picked up Palm Sunday weekend in the parish hall. The cost is $10.00. ORDER FORMS AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX

St. Catherine’s Sport’s Program Introducing “Friday Night Lights” Basketball Skills Workouts

These are FREE workouts for Boys and Girls grades 4 through 6. Ball Handling, Shooting, Passing Offensive and Defensive Principles

To be held every Friday night starting April 5th through June 21st (no Gym time on Holy Thursday 4/18 and Good Friday 4/20) @St. St. Cather ine’s Gym

20 Shore Acres Ave/ from 7:00 to 8:30pm. For more information email RYGBasketball@gmail.com or call/text Coach Steve @732-216-8389

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY PALM SUNDAY APRIL 14 After the 7:30; 9:00 and 10:30

Masses Easter Egg Hunt for the

Children 1:00pm