the roman catholic community of st. bernard of …...... 2015 - third sunday of advent ... fourth...

The Roman Catholic Community of St. Bernard of Clairvaux

500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

December 13, 2015 - Third Sunday of Advent

“We are the Living Stones”, a family of Faith which strives to love God and our neighbors through the church.

Served by:

Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Pastor Rev. Keith Cervine, Parochial Vicar

Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B., Weekend Assistant Mr. Patrick Cline, Deacon Mr. Gerard Sims, Deacon

Mr. Michael Wojcik, Deacon Mr. Paul Anderson, Deacon (Retired)

Mrs. Christina Blalock, Director of Sacred Music Mrs. Karen Dill, Director, Office of Catechetical Formation

Mrs. Barbara Turse, Director of St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten Mr. Mark LaFleur, Director, St. Bernard Cemetery

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The Liturgical Week Today’s Readings

Celebrate

Readings for the Week

First Reading — Shout for joy! Sing joyfully! Be glad and exult! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior (Zephaniah 3:14-18a).

Psalm — Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12).

Second Reading — Rejoice! The Lord is near. Make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:4-7).

Gospel — John tells his hearers to share their possessions with the needy; be honest; do not threaten or accuse others falsely (Luke 3:10-18).

The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

This Sunday, God rejoices and sings because of us. We read in Zephaniah today that God “will sing joyfully because of you, / as one sings at festivals” (Zephaniah 3:18). We know plenty about singing at festivals. Already our ears are ringing with the songs and carols that anticipate the Christmas season.

Paul reminds us of the source of our own double rejoicing: God is the mighty savior who is in our midst (in Zephaniah’s words). Because this is so, says Paul, we can rejoice and be at ease. We don’t have to worry, for God’s peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds.

A medieval carol depicts Christmas as “my dancing day” and urges us to enter into the dance. Why all the merrymaking? Because “the Lord is near,” as Paul reminds us (Philippians 4:5). He then points to another reason for the dancing: the dawn of the promise of peace, the peace beyond all understanding, that is now within our grasp.

Monday: Nm 24:2-7, 15-17a; Ps 25:4-5ab, 6, 7bc-9; Mt 21:23-27 Tuesday: Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23; Mt 21:28-32 Wednesday: Is 45:6b-8, 18, 21b-25; Ps 85:9-14; Lk 7:18b-23 Thursday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17; Mt 1:1-17 Friday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Saturday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

In your kindness we ask you to remember all the sick members of our parish, especially, Vincent Dante and Viola Hoffman, as well as those who reside in nursing homes and senior facilities. We ask you also to pray for our beloved dead, among them Nicholas Koenig.

Monday, December 14

St. John of the Cross

8:00 AM Harry Bachler, req. by family 12:10 PM Jose DePablo (1st ann.), req. by the Mallon family

Tuesday, December 15

8:00 AM Fred Chilvers, req. by Bob Fiorelli & Ellen Piper 12:10 PM Daniel Santos, req. by his mom, Aida Santos

Wednesday, December 16

8:00 AM Walter Weick, req. by Fran & Ken 12:10 PM James Choi, req. by his parents

Thursday, December 17

8:00 AM Romana & Joe Maisto, req. by M/M Vincent Iovine 12:10 PM William Saunders, req. by his friends

Friday, December 18

8:00 AM Geraldine Shepperson, req. by Barbara Landmann 12:10 PM John Furka, Jr., req. by Joe Furka

Saturday, December 19

9:00 AM Manuel Suarez, req. by Doreen Sekora 5:15 PM (Vigil) Adelia Figueiredo, req. by her family

Sunday, December 20

Fourth Sunday of Advent

7:30 AM Vincent K. Drury, req. by The Bannon family 9:00 AM Vincent J. Freda, req. by the Hodge family 10:30 AM Chris Coppola, req. by his family 12:00 PM People of the Parish

Third Sunday of Advent December 13, 2015

With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.

— Isaiah 12:3

This Week at St. Bernard

Sunday, December 13 - Third Sunday of Advent

Social Concerns Sunday, Stewardship Tree in Narthex, Giving Tree Collection in Narthex

8:30 am - 9:45 am - Catechetical Formation Classes 8:30 am - 1:30 pm - Blood Drive, Cafeteria

10:30 am - Children’s Liturgy at Mass, Chapel 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Preschool CF Classs, Rooms D/E

1:30 pm - Baptisms, Church 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - CYM Basketball, Gym 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Men’s Basketball, Gym

Monday, December 14

4:30 pm - 5:45 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Confessions, Church

7:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Finance Council Meeting, RMR

Tuesday, December 15

No Basketball

10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Staff Meeting, Room C 4:30 pm - 5:45 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm - 4th Grade Christmas Pageant Practice, Gym & Cafeteria

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Discovering Christ Team Meeting, Rooms A/B

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Youth Group Christmas Party, LH

Wednesday, December 16

No Basketball

4:30 pm - 5:45 pm - Catechetical Formation Classes 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Open Music Rehearsal, Church

8:00 pm - New Visions AA, Cafeteria


No Basketball

9:00 am - 10:30 am - Spiritual Direction Meeting, Library 7:00 pm - 4th Grade Christmas Pageant, Gym

7:30 pm - Women’s Prayer Group, Chapel & Room C 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm - Parish Choir Rehearsal, Church

Friday, December 18

No Basketball, CF Office closed

2:00 pm - Communion Service at Green Knoll HC 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Discovering Christ Make-up Meeting,

Rooms A/B

Saturday, December 19

No Basketball

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Confessions, Church

Sunday, December 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Stewardship Sunday, Donut Sunday after the 10:30 am Mass in the Cafeteria,

No Basketball, No CF Classes

10:30 am - Children’s Liturgy at Mass, Chapel 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Youth Choir Rehearsal, Church 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Parish Penance Service, Church

Stewardship Thought

“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow,

in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”

- Deuteronomy 24:19

Msgr. Joe’s Corner

Msgr. Joe’s Homily from

the Second Sunday of Advent / Beginning of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy

We’ve all received “that” email informing us there are millions of euros being held in an account for us. They usually come from a very official-sounding European lawyer, or a Nigerian prince we had no idea we knew. All we have to do to collect the money is forward the sender our personal financial information and the money will be deposited in our bank account. Most of us know this is spam and either delete the email or send it to the junk file. Unfortunately, sometimes people fall for it. I recently read the story of a woman who lost over $400,000 in the con. The scammers told her the money was from her grandfather. They even mentioned her grandfather by name. “This is what made me believe them.” She said. “It all sounded so true…”

Sin, of course, is the “con” we have all fallen for; that lie that “sounds so true” which makes us believe we can find our “riches” apart from what we have been created for – communion with the Living God. The truth is there is no bank account waiting for us in Nigeria; the truth is, despite how right it may sound to us, we will not find our life’s true purpose and fulfillment apart from Christ.

The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy begins Tuesday, December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. St. Thomas Aquinas defines “mercy” as the form compassion takes when it encounters another person’s misery, and it drives us to do what we can to help them. In fact, the Latin word for mercy, “misericordia” literally means to have another’s “misery in the heart”.

God is merciful. He holds our “misery in His heart” and acts to save us. Our Holy Father reminds us in the “Bull of Indiction” establishing the Jubilee Year of Mercy, God “never tires of throwing open the doors of His heart to us” so that no matter how spiritually bankrupt we may be, there is always a way back, there is always a doorway thrown wide open for our coming home. This is what John the Baptist proclaims by calling us to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Lord – to enter into the open door of the Father’s mercy, no matter how broken or sinful we may be. If we do so, God promises to “take off our robes of mourning and misery” and clothe us in an entirely new life in Jesus Christ.

God keeps the world’s misery in His heart, and so must we. The mercy of God changes us. It cannot be hoarded as if it were our personal possession. “Freely we have received and freely we must give”, says the Lord. The Holy Father has chosen for the upcoming Jubilee Year the motto “Merciful Like the Father” and he asks us to be “heralds” and “witnesses” to the Father’s mercy revealed in Jesus. And he tells us how, through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, to be merciful like the Father is to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and release the captive – even those held captive by our resentments, jealousies, and lusts. It bears wrongs patiently, forgives willingly, loves people back into the Church, and at all times prays.

So, as we move forward through Advent and into the great Jubilee Year of Mercy, let’s remember a few things: there is no fortune waiting for us in Nigeria – there are no true riches apart from Christ. God holds our misery in His heart and never tires of showing us mercy no matter how broken or sinful we may be. And as freely as we have received, so we must give – we must be “merciful” by holding the misery of others in our hearts and acting to help them.

Daily Masses for the Octave of Christmas will be held at 8:00 am in the Church.

(There will be no 12:10 pm Mass)

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve Masses -

The Vigil of Christmas


5:00 pm, 7:30 pm And Midnight

Christmas Day Masses -

The Birth of The Lord

Friday, December 25th

8:00 am, 10:00 am and Noon

Holiday Bulletin Deadlines

Due to the Christmas holiday schedule, our publisher will be printing several bulletins earlier than normal. See below deadlines:

Contributions for the December 27th bulletin will be due no later than Noon, Tuesday, December 15th. Contributions for the January 3rd bulletin will be due no later than Noon, Thursday, December 17th. Please submit your articles to Christine Yarwood via email at [email protected] or drop them off in the Parish Office.

Attention Bulletin Contributors

Stewardship Council News

The Stewardship Tree is Back for Advent!

The tree continues to blossom and serve as a vehicle to introduce the parish community to the multitude of ministries at the parish and provide much needed service and help to those in need. As in years past, our ministries will be providing service opportunities to the parish community. So, stop by the Stewardship Tree in the Narthex after all masses and see what opportunities are awaiting you!

As a new feature this year, parishioners can post an individual need for assistance. Ornaments will be provided at the Stewardship Tree station for those wishing to make a request.

mailto:[email protected]

Commission for Liturgy and Worship

Ministers of the Liturgy

We acknowledge with appreciation the following Liturgical Ministers who will serve at next weekend’s Masses:

December 19th and 20th 5:15 Mass Altar Servers: Ashlyn Jess, Kaleigh Jess

Readers: Ron Haikes, Dominick Batkowski

Eucharistic Ministers: Pat Bedi, Laura Curcio, Marilyn Fabiano, Jo Ann Fabiano,

Gina & Teo Gonzales 7:30 Mass Altar Servers: Connor Lynch

Readers: Evelyn Mutek, Dan McDonald

Eucharistic Ministers: Elbaliz V. Mendez, Anita Bruno, Rich Brancato, Pat Mattia

9:00 Mass Altar Servers: Erika Westermann, Spenser

Russo

Readers: Jo Casey, Gretchen Toolan

Eucharistic Ministers: Cynthia & Tim O’Connor, Vivian Cline, Marie Harwanko, Ann Mulroy, Margaret Blood

10:30 Mass Altar Servers: Sean Kelly, Greg Kelly, Nicole Stevens

Readers: Roger Rhaesa, Pamela Michael-Rhaesa

Eucharistic Ministers: Joyce & Dominick Coppola, Marie Barbosa, Michele Olson, Margaret Batkowski, Ray DiDomenico

12:00 Mass Altar Servers: Emily Sanchez, Salvatore Cicale

Readers: Maria DaSilva, Janice Rippas

Eucharistic Ministers: Mary Padavano, Joy Marie Piccinnini, Bernadette Surak, Laura Felegi, Joe Filep, Jeannette Merritt

Confession

Confessions are heard every Saturday in the Church from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

During Advent confessions will also be heard in the Church on Monday, December 7th and Monday, December 14th from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Additionally, a Parish Penance Service will be held on Sunday, December 20th from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Church

Additional priests will be available for this service.

We hope these extra confession times give you the opportunity to avail yourselves to the grace and peace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for the joyous celebration of the Nativity of the Lord!

Youth Group News

Christmas Party

Full group meeting Tuesday December 15th

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE

Youth Group Retreat Friday, February 5, 2016 through

Sunday, February 7, 2016

LEARNING RESOURCE AVAILABLELEARNING RESOURCE AVAILABLE

Check out this resource to help you grow in your faith.

CD display is in the CD display is in the Church Narthex.Church Narthex.

Suggested donation for each CD is only $3.

New titles for Advent and Christmas as well as for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Commission for Catechetical Formation Activities

From The Office of Catechetical Formation

IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday, December 15: 4th Grade Christmas Pageant Practice, 5:30 pm – 7:15 pm in Gym/Cafeteria

(no other 4th Grade classes this week) Thursday, December 17: 4th Grade CHRISTMAS PAGEANT, 7:00 pm in GYM

(no other 4th Grade classes this week) Sunday, December 20 – Wednesday, December 30: No CF classes – Christmas Break

ADVENT GIVING TREE

Our Advent Giving Tree is in the Narthex

All are invited to select an ornament from the tree and purchase the gift indicated.

This year, our gifts will benefit four charities:

Samaritan Homeless Interim Group (SHIP) Life Choice, provides services for young mothers

Great Expectations, provides services for young mothers Guatemala – St. Bernard Partnership

Please place your UN-WRAPPED gift

with ornament gift tag attached, under the tree by

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13th

Commission for Catechetical Formation Activities (Continued)

4th Grade Christmas PaGeant

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “ - Luke 2:11

You are invited to:

The Christmas Pageant

Presented by our Fourth Grade students

Thursday, December 17th at 7:00 pm in the Gym

Commission for Christian Service News

Parish Nursing Ministry Wellness Corner

The Parish Nurse Ministry, provides us with a “Wellness Corner” where they will advertise upcoming Parish Nursing Initiatives as well as offer health and wellness tips. This month’s installment addresses Managing Stress.

Between trying to balance your work, financial and family responsibilities, you may feel like there’s just nothing you can do about your stress. But no matter how helpless you may sometimes feel when dealing with stress, you still have control over the way you choose to deal with your problems. That’s what stress management is all about: changing stressful situations when you can, chang-ing your reaction when you can’t—and most importantly—taking the time to care for yourself.

Where is your stress coming from? Sometimes it’s easy to see what’s causing you stress: major life events such as moving, switching jobs or suffering a major loss are easy to pinpoint. But what about the everyday stress that may not be so obvious? A stress journal can help you identify the regular stressors in your life and the way you deal with them.

Each time you feel stressed, write down:

What caused your stress, how you felt, physically and emotionally, how you responded and what you did to feel better.

Take steps to lower your stress level If your current methods of coping with stress don’t seem to be helping, it’s time to try some-thing else. Not every method works for everyone every time, so try different techniques and strategies until you find what works for you.

Exercise. Exercise is a natural stress reliever that releases endorphins into your bloodstream. Endorphins are chemicals that help your body to reduce stress. Once you’re in the habit of being physically active, try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily schedule. You can try walking, running, swimming, cycling or gym classes. The important thing is to pick something you enjoy doing, so you’re more likely to stick with it.

Be social. Social engagement is one of the quickest, most efficient ways to deal with stress. It can help you avoid overreacting to events you may see as threatening. Just reach out to your family and friends, and make the effort to connect regularly in per-son. The people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your problems, they just need to listen.

Avoid unnecessary stress. You should try not to overburden yourself. When possible, say “no” to taking on more than you know you can handle. If there’s a person in your life who normally causes you stress or makes you feel bad, consider limiting the amount of time you spend with that person. Are you worried about never finding the time to go to the store? You can try shopping online for everything from clothes to regular household items and save yourself the trip—and the stress.

Change your situation. If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to change it. Or, at least try to change our reaction to it. Ex-press your feelings rather than keeping them to yourself. If something (or someone) is bothering you, talk about your concerns in a constructive and respectful way. But, if you’re asking someone to change, make sure you’re willing to do the same. Remem-ber, a little compromise can go a long way.

Accept what you can’t change. No matter how much we’d like to, there are certain stressors we can’t avoid or alter, such as the death of a loved one or coping with a serious illness. Accepting situations that seem unfair can be hard, but in the end, it’s easier than fighting against a situation you can’t change.

Have fun. You can reduce stress in your life by making sure you take the time to invest in yourself. Try to come up with a list of things you enjoy doing (for example, gardening, watching a movie or reading) and then make it a point to do at least one of these things every day.

Live your healthiest life. Besides regular exercise, there are other ways to take care of your health that can help make you more resistant to stress. You should eat a healthy diet and keep your energy up with consistent, nutritious meals throughout the day. At night, you should aim to get the amount of sleep you need to wake refreshed and think clearly. And remember, even though it may sometimes feel like it helps with the stress, relying on smoking, drugs or alcohol can just lead to more problems down the road

Chronic stress can lead to: Lowered immune function, irregular heart rate, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, worsening of Type 2 Diabetes, worsening of asthma, gastrointestinal problems, depression and anxiety, alcohol and tobacco use, poor eating habits, and trouble sleeping.

Commission for Christian Service News (Continued)

Golf Committee News

Interested In Joining the Golf Planning Committee Team?

For the past five years the St. Bernard Golf Committee has organized the St. Bernard Annual Golf Classic. The golf outing has provided a fun community-building experience while at the same time raising over $80,000 for the many important ministries at St. Bernard’s Parish.

The Golf Committee is now in need of some assistance. Several members have moved from the parish or have become involved in other good works. So the Committee is looking to add a few additional men and women.

The Committee only meets a few times between January and the golf outing itself in May. Most of the assistance needed can be done on one’s own schedule and you don’t need to play or even know anything about golf.

For more information, please email Deacon Gerry Sims at [email protected] or call him at the parish office, 908-725-0552 x805.

Give The Gift That Keeps On Living

Holiday Blood Drive TODAY

There is a blood drive TODAY, Sunday, December 13th here at St. Bernard from 8:30 am - 1:30 pm in the Parish Center Cafeteria.

All possible donors are encouraged to give the gift of life! Donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old, and if over 75 years old, must bring an OK from your physician.

There is no need for pre-registration. You can just come by.

Please prayerfully consider participating.

Each donor will receive a Houlihan’s $10 off coupon for any bills $30 and over!

Thank You for Your Continued Generosity!

The Christian Service Commission was again overwhelmed with the generous response to our “Make a Difference for Thanksgiving” campaign. 51 families were adopted and enjoyed a happier Thanksgiving thanks to you wonderful people. In addition, over 90 bags of Thanksgiving food items were donated on the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. These were sorted and distributed to the Food Bank and SHIP.

Through the generosity of other parishioners a total of over $2,000 in checks, cash and grocery store gift cards were collected for the Food Bank and SHIP. Thank you on behalf of all our brothers and sisters who had a happier Thanksgiving because of your generosity!

The Commission for Christian Service would also like to thank all of the numerous volunteers who helped with this project by transferring, sorting and delivering food.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, … whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. - [Matthew 25: 35; 40]


Girl Scout Working Towards Gold Award Seeking Assistance

Rachel Roberts is a parishioner and a Girl Scout, currently working on her Gold Award Project. The Gold Award is the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn. It involves creating and carrying out a community service project that leaves a lasting impact.

Her project is a cinematherapy program called “Lights, Camera, Take Action!” It’s a monthly movie night that includes a related activity (e.g., a sing-a-long, an educational program, a game, arts and crafts). Each movie night has a theme (e.g., black& white oldies, musical, comedy, holiday, action/adventure, romance, fantasy, historical, animation). This program is designed to be used over and over again to help others – long term care and rehabilitation patients, Alzheimer and dementia care patients, hospice patients, senior citizens and veterans. Rachel is partnering with the Genesis Healthcare Green Knoll Center in Bridgewater to roll out this program to the Center’s patients in 2016.

To make Rachel’s project successful, she needs movies! She is looking for donations of new and gently used DVD movies. She needs the following movie titles for her first three movie nights: “Forrest Gump,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Grease.”

But she will gladly accept the following additional movies for future planned movie nights: “Young Frankenstein,” “Its a Wonderful Life,” “To Kill a Mocking Bird,” “Star Wars,” “Jurassic Park,” “Les Miserables,” “Ratatouille,” “Vertigo,” “Back to the Future,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “Casablanca,” “Love Story,” “Moonstruck,” “Pretty Woman,” “Princess Bride,” “Apollo 13,” “Great Gatsby,” “West Side Story,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Singing in the Rain.”

If you are able to donate any of these movies, please contact Rachel Roberts at [email protected] or [email protected]. (Please note email correction.) Thank you.

“Clear your Gear: A new and used sports equipment drive”

Parishioner Danielle Czarkowski, a junior at Immaculata High School is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award. She is collecting new and used sports equipment for the children of the Dunlow Community Center in Appalachia, West Virginia.

Please consider helping out the children of this extremely poor region of the United States by donating any type of sports equipment or game that gets the kids up and moving. For example, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, baseballs/softballs, volleyball net/balls, scooters, skateboards, lacrosse sticks and balls, baseball tees, soccer/ lacrosse nets etc.

A donation box will be setup at the St. Bernard School entrance on January 2nd/3rd and 9th/10th. If you have any questions please contact Danielle Czarkowski at [email protected]. Thank you for helping these impoverished children and supporting Girl Scouts.

Other News

Diocesan News

Grace MERCY & Peace

2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal ~ Grace, Mercy & Peace

As Christmas nears, you are asked to make a special effort to remember the 2015 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. It is a gift that brings the Grace, Mercy & Peace of Christ to thousands of people throughout the Diocese of Metuchen. Please consider making a gift today.

Girl Scout Fundraiser After All Sunday Masses

GS Troop 60794 will be selling specially made hand scrubs and homemade jars of cookie and cake mixes after Masses this Sunday. All funds raised by the troop will go to families in the community in need of assistance.

In addition, Troop 60794 will utilize the St. Bernard SCRIP program to purchase the gift cards that will be delivered to these families in need.


mailto:[email protected].

mailto:[email protected].

Enter the SCRIP Holiday Sweepstakes and Win a Gift Card

For every Scrip Order / Purchase you place between November 1st and December 31st you will receive an entry into the Sweepstakes.

A drawing will take place during the first week of January and three winners will be drawn. The First Place winner will receive a $100 Scrip Card of their choice; Second Place a $50 card and Third Place a $25 card.

Remember every order you place gives you an additional chance to win.

Finance Council Update

Finance Council Update (Continued)

Scrip Parish Vendor Contributions

C & R Construction $ 6.551.00

Mangia Buono Caterers $ 1,323.00

Distinctive Landscaping $ 2,907.00

Accounting Alternatives $ 377.00

Other $ 505.00

TOTAL: $ 11,663.00

Scrip Update --- Week 266 (December 6, 2015)

Scrip Income

* July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

Current Week: $725.90

Current Year(*): $ 6,103.34

Cumulative: $ 64,768.16

Still Time Left to Get Your Scrip Cards

There is still time to order your Scrip cards for delivery before Christmas. All orders placed this weekend will be available for pickup the weekend before Christmas. Orders placed after this weekend may not be available for pickup until the first weekend of 2016.

Point of sale cards for many popular vendors (Starbucks, iTunes, Panera, Chipotle, Macys, American Eagle, Olive Garden, Barnes and Noble) will still be available for purchase the weekend before Christmas after all masses to help you fill any last minute gifting needs. ShopRite and Stop & Shop cards will also be available, as usual. Thank You Distinctive Landscaping

The Finance Council thanks Distinctive Landscaping for its recent contribution to the Scrip Program based upon work performed for of our Parish families.

Report of Sunday Offerings in Support of our Parish

July, 2015 to June, 2016 Financial Year

Remember that money is a resource for ministry. Thank you for making ministry possible at St. Bernard.

Weekly Offertory Collection

(December 6, Week 23) Weekly Budget Need $ 22,650.00

Weekly Plate Contributions $ 16,275.00

ParishPay/Other Contributions (x2) $ 8,300.00

Surplus/(Deficit) $ 1,925.00

Year to Date Offertory Collections

Weekly Budget Need $ 520,950.00

Actual Weekly Plate Collections $ 309,788.35

ParishPay/Other Contributions $ 190,900.00

Surplus/(Deficit) $ (20,261.65)

Have you considered giving a brick for Christmas? That may sound funny, but donating a paver to memorialize a loved one just might be the nicest gift you can give! All proceeds go to fund our ministries here at St. Bernard.

Order forms can be found on the Scrip table in the Narthex, in the parish office, or on our parish website.

The Finance Council – an advisory or consultative body to the Pastor in matters pertaining to the ordinary and extraordinary matters of financial administration. The Council shares, with the Pastor, the responsibility for prudent administration of financial affairs and the formation of its policies and procedures in service to effective management of parish assets.

The Stewardship Council – provides a systematic way of infusing the theology and practice of Stewardship into the life of the parish, identifying opportunities for members to exercise their gifts for the betterment of the parish and community.

The Pastoral Council – devoted to prayer and the study of church documents and other sound resources, as well as parish centered reflection on that study; collaborates with the pastors, clergy and staff in the work of ministry. From the Pastoral Council evolved five commissions and their ministries:

Commission for Christian Service Appalachian Mission Pro-Life Awareness

Bereavement Ministry SHIP Mobile Soup Kitchen Blood Drive Social Concerns Collections Crop Walk Peace, Education and Action Guatemala Partnership Interfaith Hospitality Network

Commission for Christian Community Christian Word Ministry Doughnut Sunday Divorced/Separated Support Group Golden Stewards Hospitality Committee Prayer Shawl Ministry Men’s Breakfast Club Singles Alive in Christ Mom’s Group Small Faith Community Parish Dinner Dance Young Builder’s Club Parish Events Committee Youth Basketball

Commission for Evangelization Cursillo Retreat Public Relations Committee Ecumenical Board Women’s Cornerstone Parish Retreat (Beloved) Women’s Prayer Group

Commission for Liturgy and Worship Altar Servers Adult Altar Servers Care Facility Visitation Ministry Children’s Liturgy of the Word Choir & Instrumental Readers Eucharistic Ministers Right of Christian Initiation Liturgical Environment Sacristan Ministers of Hospitality Visitors to the Homebound

Commission for Catechetical Formation Adult Spirituality/Scripture Study Baptism Preparation

Catechetical Formation Fr. Barton Parish Library Senior High Youth Group

If you are interested in finding out more about a particular council, commission or ministry, please call the Parish Office.

The Councils and Ministries of St. Bernard Parish Directory St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church

500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Telephone: (908)725-0552 Fax: (908)725-4524

Website: http://stbernardbridgewater.org / Also on Facebook All emails are @stbernardbridgewater.org

Bulletin articles are due no later than Noon Sunday for publication in the upcoming Sunday’s bulletin.

Please submit article requests to Christine Yarwood at [email protected] or drop off in the Parish Office.

The Parish Clergy

Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Pastor - ext. 803, Email: [email protected] Rev. Keith Cervine, Parochial Vicar - ext. 806, Email: kcervine@ ... Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B. Weekend Assistant Mr. Patrick Cline, Deacon, Email: [email protected] Mr. Gerard Sims, Deacon, ext. 805, Email:[email protected] Mr. Michael Wojcik, Deacon, Email: mwojcik@... Mr. Paul Anderson, Deacon (retired)

The Parish Office

Email: [email protected] Ms. Virginia (Ginny) Hayden, Office Mgr. & Adm. Asst. to the Pastor - ext. 802, Email: ghayden@... Mr. Brian Curtis, Finance & Business Mgr. – ext. 821, Email: bcurtis@... Mrs. Donna Blanton, Receptionist, Parish Registrar and Wedding Prep.– ext. 800, Email: dblanton@... Mrs. Christine Yarwood, Bulletin Editor, Parish Calendar and Website Management - ext. 818, Email: cyarwood@... Mrs. Evelyn Mutek, Sacristan Mr. Bill Chmielewski, Maintenance Supervisor – ext. 819

The Office of Catechetical Formation

Office: 908-725-0552 ext. 811 Fax: 908-725-9949, Email: [email protected] Mrs. Karen Dill, Director – ext. 825, Email: kdill@... Mrs. Mary Sullivan, Admin. Assistant - ext. 811

The Office of Youth Ministry

Contact Fr. Keith Cervine - ext. 806 Lighthouse - ext. 816

The Office of Liturgy and Sacred Music

Mrs. Christina Blalock, Director of Sacred Music - ext. 807, Email: cblalock@...

St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten

Mrs. Barbara Turse, Director – ext. 813, Email: bturse@...

St. Bernard Cemetery and Mausoleums

Email: [email protected] Mr. Mark LaFleur, Cemetery Director-908-725-8305 Mrs. Mary Beth Hansen, Cemetery Sec. 908-725-5566

Clergy Residence (For Emergency Only): 908-526-6859

http://stbernardbridgewater.org

mailto:@stbernardbridgewater.org








Welcome to the Parish Community of St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Parish Life at St. Bernard

Sacramental Life at St. Bernard

Parish Membership

Welcome Newcomers! So that we might provide for all of your sacramental and pastoral needs, we would like to officially welcome and register you in the parish. If you haven’t already done so, please call the Parish Office to begin your registration process.

Parishioners are reminded that we can best serve you if we have accurate information in our Parish Census program. Please call the Parish Office with any changes in your ad-dress, phone number, family status, etc. or if you notice any misinformation in any correspondence you might receive from us.

Catechetical Formation

Students in grades Pre-K through 8 are provided Catholic instruction and sacramental preparation by our Catechetical Formation staff and parent volunteers. Parish membership is required for enrollment in our program. Please call our Office of Catechetical Formation to register your child for classes.

Youth Ministry

Our youth are an active part of our ministry here at St. Bernard. Our parish Senior High Youth Group welcomes all high school youth to our Sunday events and youth friendly Mass. Those who are looking to go deeper can join our Service and Leadership Team (SALT) which meets weekly for Bible study and planning. Meetings are held in The Lighthouse, our very own room on the third floor of the Parish Center. Please call the Youth Ministry Office for details. Join Us!

Young Builder’s Club at St. Bernard

As part of our Youth Ministry program, we offer our Young Builder’s Club one Saturday each month for children aged 3 to 10, with a parent. Using the K’nex build-ing toys, the group encourages teamwork and social interaction. Each meeting opens with prayer and song. Watch the bulletin for upcoming events.

Pre-School and Kindergarten at St. Bernard

Welcome to St. Bernard Pre-School and Kindergarten! Our programs are available to all! We are licensed by the state of NJ and offer a 3 half-day, a 5 half-day, or a 5 full-day program, which includes extended care. Our hours of oper-ation are 7:30 am – 5:30 pm for Extended Care and 9:00 am – 11:30 am for our half-day programs. Children must be 3 years old by December 31st of the school year in which they are enrolled to be eligible for our pre-school program.

We offer a challenging and exciting full-day Kindergarten Program. Our school is open from September through June.

Baptism

Expectant and adoptive parents are required to attend our Baptism preparation class. It is best to call the Parish Office at least four months before your child’s birth or in the case of adoption, upon completion of the adoption process. The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Individuals who have never been baptized, baptized Christians from other denominations, and baptized Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of first Eucharist and Confirmation, and who are interested in becoming full participants in the Catholic faith are invited to call the Parish Office to begin the Inquiry process. The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, or by appointment The Celebration of the Eucharist

Monday— Friday (Chapel): 8:00 AM & 12:10 PM (12:10 PM suspended in July and August)

Saturday: 9:00 AM (Chapel); Vigil 5:15 PM

Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 12 NOON

Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM and 7:30 PM The Celebration of Christian Marriage

Arrangements with the Church for a wedding should be made approximately one year prior to the desired date. Participation in a Diocesan Pre-Cana program will assist couples in their preparation for the sacrament of Matrimony. Catholics who have been away from the Church and the Sacraments need to re-establish their Church and Sacramental life as a pre-requisite for marriage. Sacrament of the Sick - Homebound

We encourage you to call the Parish Office to make arrangements for either the Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick or for the Eucharist to be brought to the sick, the elderly, and the homebound.

Please call the Pre-School / Kindergarten Office for further information and watch the bulletin for open-house, registration and enrollment information!

the roman catholic community of st. bernard of …...... 2015 - third sunday of advent ... fourth...

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