Whatever your status in the Church, whatever your family/marital situation, whatever your religious affilia-

tion, whatever your personal history, age, background, race or color, sexual orientation, you are invited, wel-

comed, accepted, loved and respected here in the Catholic Community of Saint Thomas the Apostle!

Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish & School

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Pastor

Rev. Jerome A. Johnson

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Msgr. John B. Szymanski, P.A.

Parochial Vicars

Rev. Frank W. Fellrath

Rev. Gerardo B. Paderon

February 11, 2018

PEACE & WELCOME!

Celebration of Mass

Saturday Vigil: 4:00PM & 5:30PM Weekday: (Pastoral Center Chapel)

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30AM & Monday - Friday: 8:15AM & 7:00PM*

12:00 Noon Saturday: 8:15AM

*Mondays: Celebrated in church with Miraculous Medal Novena

Parish Office: Tel: 732.251.4000 Fax: 732-251-4946

Deacons

Robert Bonfante, Sr.

Patrick W. Hearty

Joseph C. Tobin

Scott D. Titmas, Sr.

School Principal

Ms. Joanne Kowit

PREP Director

Ms. Debbie Yesis

Director Sacred Music/Liturgy

Mr. Justin Connors

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

“To make disciples, as we

know, love and serve God

and one another.”

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SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time February 11, 2018

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 - St. Scholastica, Virgin

8:15am Int. of Elmer Ramiscal r/o Robin & Benjie VIGIL

4:00pm + Connie Molloy r/o Bob Molloy 5:30pm + Kathleen Donnelly r/o M/M Michael Clements

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 - SIXTH SUN ORD TIME

7:30am + For Parishioners, Living and Deceased 9:00am + Joseph Petrick r/o Frank & Peggy Boyle 10:30am + Rose & Nick Verdi r/o Steven & Patricia Olsen 12:00pm + Andy Giovanni r/o Gordon & Yolanda Anthony MONDAY FEBRUARY 12

8:15am + Louise Keating r/o Nancy Stahley 7:00pm** + Kathleen Donnelly r/o Larry & Joan McGrath TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 8:15am + Eugene Logan r/o Walt & Gerry Tier 7:00pm + Michael Cavallo r/o Frank & Gerri Lynch

THURSDAY* FEBRUARY 15

8:15am + Dolores Mapes r/o Ruth Newton & Family 12:15pm + MaryJane Burnet r/o Betty Lonegan 7:00pm + Nancy Tidd r/o Mom FRIDAY * FEBRUARY 16 8:15am + Thomas Heffron r/o M/M Dennis McNulty & Brandon 12:15pm + Senora Robledo Dalomba r/o Dalomba & Richter Families 7:00pm + Robert Sousa r/o Mother & Father SATURDAY FEBRUARY 17

8:15am + Frank Bellina r/o Charles Heppel VIGIL

4:00pm + Trish Franchino & Jack Hogarty r/o Family 5:30pm + Robert E. Higgins r/o Debbie & Tom Yesis SUNDAY FEBRUARY 18 - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT 7:30am For Parishioners, Living and Deceased

9:00am + Elisabetta Debari r/o The Debari Family 10:30am + Jerome Aumente r/o Maureen & John Nigro 12:00 Noon + Frank Bellina r/o Wife, Childrem & Grandchildren ** Mass in church— After Ash Wednesday Masses in church**

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES . . .

◊ Sanctuary Candle/Mary Candle, (lit for one week in church/chapel, available during daytime in Pastoral Center).

◊ Memorials of Honor …. Gifts of $25+ entered in Journal (courtyard lobby). Envelopes: Pastoral Center.

Welcome to the Parish Family of St. Thomas! If you are new to the community, Welcome! We are grate-

ful to the Lord for your presence with us and look forward

to including you in all areas of parish life. Please take a

moment to stop by the Parish Office and register with us

and after Mass please introduce yourself to Fr. Jay, Fr.

Frank or Fr. Gerry. Registering and using your envelopes

makes it easier for us to provide documentation, such as a

certificate for sponsoring a child for Baptism or Confirma-

tion or to arrange for a wedding. So please register... and

Welcome!

Parish Office

One St. Thomas Plaza

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Tel: 732.251.4000 Fax: 732.251.4946

School Tel: 732.251.4812

PREP Tel: 732.251.1660

Hours (Lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm):

Monday and Friday: 9:00am—4:00pm

Tues./Wed./Thurs: 9:00am-8:00pm

Saturday-Sunday: 11am—1:30pm

Contact Information:

Website: www.saintthomasob.com

www.facebook.com/pages/St- Thomas-the-Apostle-

Church-Old-Bridge-NJ

Parish Office Staff

Business Administrator: Mr. Michael Luczkow

Parish Secretary: Ms. Kristine Yuhas

Reception/Bingo Coordinator: Ms. Michelle Loney

Bulletin Editor: Ms. Justine Durstewitz

Sacramental Information BAPTISMS: (1:30pm, most Sundays) The Church calls GOD-PARENTS, to be practicing Catholics, examples of Christ-centered living today. All Godparents should submit Sponsor letters from their Parish ASAP—but no later than three weeks before the scheduled Baptism. PARENTS must attend a Baptis-mal Preparation Session. (Registration is required.) MARRIAGES: Arrangements must be made at least one year in advance—before

any social plans. Either the bride or groom must be a registered

member of our parish. Once a marriage questionnaire (available in

Pastoral Center) is completed/returned, a Parish Priest or Deacon

will then contact the couple.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: In case of dangerous illness or accident, phone the Pastoral Center. A

communal celebration of the Sacrament is held twice a year, in

Spring and Fall.

PENANCE: Individual Confessions most Saturdays, 12:30pm and

immediately following 5:30pm Mass. Communal Penance during

Lent/Advent with visiting clergy.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS: Parishioners desiring the

Sacraments, please contact Pastoral Center. This Week in Memory of…

Michael Cavallo r/o Stella & Children

Sanctuary Candle in Church

Robert Sousa r/o Mother & Father

Mary Candle in Church

Sheryl Good r/o Dorothy & Barry DeFeo Mary Candle in Chapel

ASH WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 14 7:00am Prayer Service 8:15am (Mass) + Elsie Hogarth r/o Kovacs Family 10:00am Prayer Service 12:15pm (Mass)+ Ruth & John F. Veverka r/o John J. Veverka 4:30pm Prayer Service 7:00pm (Mass) + Thomas C. McMillan r/o Eileen Connolly

3

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

• No Adoration on Ash Wednesday.

• Wednesdays during Lent: following 8:15am

Mass until Noon (Church).

Parish Support Here at STA we encourage you to be Christian Stewards, using everything God has given us—time, talent, treasure—to serve Him gratefully. (See Page 2 regarding envelopes.) Last weekend’s collection: $15,783 (‘17: $13,280)

Offering for the Poor: $690

Online Giving (January): $4,584 Online Giving! Visit our website to get started:

www.saintthomasob.com

“Online giving—it’s so easy!” Shirley.

DECEASED LOVED ONES

Frank Bootz, Michael Cagioli, Isabel Mango, Felipa Gavina,

Jeannette Duggan and Lorraine Tango

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Confirmation:

• PREP Candidates Only: Our next mandatory session is Monday, February 26, 6:45pm-

8:30pm, St. Thomas School. Please arrive promptly. Please return your signed permission slip for our trip to St. Joseph’s H.S. for the Teen Outreach event on March 14.

• All Confirmation candidates: Confirmation gown measurement will be Monday, March 5, 6:30pm in St. Thomas School. This is the only date for gown measurement. After you are measured, candidate and sponsor/parent must attend the Lenten Penance Service, 7pm in church.

• Confirmation will be celebrated on Wednesday,

April 18, 7:00pm. Confirmation rehearsal is Mon-

day, April 16, 6:30pm in church. Sponsor or parent must attend with the candidate.

Questions? PREP Office: 732.251.1660.

This Weekend the Altar Bread & Wine are

offered in Memory of… George Rassman (20th Anniversary)

r/o Anthony & Terri Cutrone

THIS WEEKEND: SECOND COLLECTION

...will be taken for Development of People (proceeds bene-fit the Church in Latin America, in Eastern Europe and Catholic Home Missions). Please be as generous as your means allow.

SAVE-THE-DATE

COMMUNION BREAKFAST

Sunday, April 8 after 9:00am Mass

Sponsored by Holy Name Society

LENTEN MASS TIME CHANGE

Please note: the midday Mass for Lent will be 12:15pm

not 12:10pm.

JOIN FATHER JAY ON A TRIP TO...

LONGWOOD GARDENS in PA

Saturday, March 17 Orchid Extravaganza

Join Fr. Jay on a trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. We’ll depart St. Thomas at 9am, have lunch on your own in the Terrace Restaurant and meet for a 1-hour guided tour. Enjoy their Jazz musical entertainment with time to explore on your own. Bus departs for home aprx. 4:30pm. Cost: $82 (bus, tour & entertainment). Re-serve your spot! 732.251. 4000. Limited spaces.

LENTEN SCHEDULE

• Stations of the Cross: Each Friday, following the 7pm Mass. Mary’s Way

of the Cross — March 16.

• Reconciliation/Confessions: Individ-ual confessions most Saturdays (12:30pm and after 5:30pm Mass) or by appointment. No confessions Holy Saturday.

• Lenten Penance Service: Monday, March 5, 7pm Visiting Priests available. (No 7pm Mass this day.) INSTRUCTIONS

• Ashes distributed at all Masses and Prayer Services. (See Schedule Page 2.)

• Days of Fast: Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, The “Easter Fast” (Holy Thursday until Easter Vigil/Holy Saturday) is an ancient tradition that should be ob-served and encouraged. (One full meal, applies to those 18-59 years of age.)

• Days of Abstinence: Ash Wednesday, and ALL Fri-days of Lent. (No meat. Applies to 14+ years of age.)

“The obligation of fast and abstinence, as a whole, is a serious obligation. While failure to observe any penitential day in itself may not be considered serious, the failure to observe any penitential days at all, or a substantial num-ber of them without good cause, would be considered a grave matter. Those unable to abstain for a valid reason on any given Friday of Lent are asked to perform some other penitential act or to abstain on another day.”

JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP…

...in the auditorium after the 10:30am and 12 Noon this weekend. Light refreshments will be available.

4

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Sue Sirianni, Admissions Office

732-251-4000 ext. 8253

333 Highway 18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Visit our website: www.sttaob.com

Educating Minds and Hearts!

Liturgy of the Word with Children… for Grades K-8, walk to the Pastoral Center and listen to readings, reflection and Prayers of the Faithful on their own level. Children are well-supervised and return to their families during the Presentation Hymn. Mass: ALL Sundays in Lent! 9am.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP (20’s-30’s) Join our Young Adult group on the third Sunday of the month to meet new friends, forge relationships and stay connected to the Church! Our next gathering: Sunday, February 18, 6:30pm, Parish Room.

Info: John, staya316@gmail.com.

VISIT

US!

St. Thomas Advantage

Nominated for National Blue Ribbon Award!

“Leader in Me” School

Focused on Leadership and Service

�������������� �����������������

Pre-K through 8th Grade

Registration now open for existing families! Applica-

tions are currently being accepted for new families!

NEW FAMILY REGISTRATION:

Wednesday, March 7, 6:30pm-8:00pm

in St. Thomas School

������������� ������������������

SAVE-THE-DATE

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Annual NJ Catholic Youth Rally

at Six Flags Great Adventure

Holy Name Society Sponsoring... SANDS CASINO TRIP

Monday, March 5, 9:30am - 7pm, $40pp, getting back $15 Casino and $5 food

voucher. George 732.238.5743 or John 732.763.3280.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2018-2019 TUITION ASSISTANCE ONLINE APPLICATION

Families interested in applying for tuition assistance to at-tend an eligible Diocese of Metuchen Catholic elementary or high school may do so now. The application process is online through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Online applications must be completed (including supporting documentation) by no later than Saturday, March 31. Families that need assistance completing the online appli-cation, may register to attend a workshop at this link:.

wwwdiometuchen.org/tuition-assistance

A THANK YOU RECEIVED…

..from our Community House: “On behalf of the residents of Community House at Saint Thomas thank you for re-membering our residents. The gift bags that you gave were very much appreciated! They all love the warm cozy blan-kets, and the personal care items are always a hit! Your generosity helped make the residents’ Christmas brighter! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year! Thank you and God Bless.” Susan Kuzma, Supervisor, Community House

A WORLD DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING

FOR REFUGEES & EXILES

Friday, February 23, 7:30pm Pope Francis has declared February 23, a World Day of Prayer & Fasting for Refugees & Exiles. In observance of this day, we will celebrate a special Prayer Service and Stations of the Cross in church. Please join us!

“BECAUSE I’M WORTH IT”

PREP Confirmation candidates: Mandatory retreat, Wednesday, March 14, 5:30-9:30pm (approx.) St. Jo-seph’s HS Metuchen. Pam Stenzel is a powerful, interna-tional communicator (speaking to 500K teens/parents each year). She combines her personal story extensive counsel-ing experience into a frank discussion about Teen Chastity. Permission slips were given at the February 5 session (STAS will attend during school hours).

JOIN US... Lenten Study with Fr. Gerry on the following days: Monday, February 19 &

Monday, February 26, 12 Noon in the chapel and 7:00pm in Parish Room (no Mass/Novena due to Presidents Day). Also, Monday, March 5, 12 Noon only in the chapel. Info: Sue: faithstthomas1@gmail.com.

5

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

ADULT CONFIRMATION

Interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirma-tion? Want to learn more about our Catholic faith? Join Fr. Frank on Wednesdays beginning, March

7, 7:30pm-9:00pm (Conference room) and continue until Pentecost. Adult Confirmation will take place on Pentecost Sunday, May 20. Please register: 732.251.4000.

8 (Spiritual) New Year’s Resolutions for Catholics

5. Bring back regular penances. Living a penitential life, outside of Advent and Lent, is the Catholic way of life. All of the Church’s Saints performed penances habitually, ei-ther internally or externally, great and small for themselves and for others. Many do not know that the Fridays outside of Lent are also days of abstinence and fasting. While the Church law against eating meat on Fridays outside of Lent was lifted by the US bishops, it is meant to be substituted with some other form of penance. Remember that penances aren’t meant to be pleasant at first, but the graces that come from them grow sweeter with time.”(to be continued)

2018 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Lighting a Fire in the Heart of Our World Twenty-four percent—1.7 million dollars—of the funds raised by 2018 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is earmarked for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. Through more than 100 programs, Catholic Charities serves those most in need of our assistance. If you have yet to make your pledge to this year’s Bishop’s An-nual Appeal, you will have the opportunity to do so the weekend of February 24/25, which has been designated as Bishop’s Annual Appeal In-Pew Weekend. Help us reach our target of 100% participation. Every gift, no matter the size is important and greatly appreciated.

FLOCKNOTE.COM

We are pleased to

Introduce:

Flocknote!

Please follow in-

structions below to

join. If you have al-

ready submitted

your email address,

we will be sending it

to Flocknote! No

need to re-enter it!

SAVE - THE - DATE

TRIP WITH FATHER JAY! Sight and Sound Theatre: Wednes-

day, September 26, travel with Fr. Jay to Lancaster, PA to see the new production of Jesus. After the show enjoy lunch at Miller’s Smorgas-bord, then depart for home. Cost:

$150 (includes ticket, bus and lunch).

You’re Invited! Life Choices Resource Center’s

Annual Charity Banquet “Visions of Love” Sunday, February 25, 2018 (4pm-8pm)

Pines Manor, Edison, NJ

Inspirational Speaker: Shari Richard of www.Unborn.com. Tickets are $65pp. Info: 732.516.0911 or download a re-ply/sponsor form @ www.LifeChoicesRC.com. Booster and Sponsorship still available.

LENTEN PARISH MISSION

Follow this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1559414 to shop and we will receive donation at no cost to you!!! Thank you!

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SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

PRAY FOR THE SICK

Anonymously Recommended, Pat Barabas, Roberta Bodtmann, Barbara and George Bollhardt, Eileen Bordt, Michael Boyce, Ralph Chiano, Rosemarie Chimienti, Anne Collins, Bryan Con-nolly, Eileen Connolly, Joyce Curley, Camella Dacunta, Mafalda Decleva, Josephine DiGioranni, John D’Mello, John Downes, Nancy Donoghue, Ann Featherman, Tom Franken, Laurenzo Fusco, Kay Gage, Joseph Gambino, Johanna Gordon, John Grazziano, Charlotte and Marco Guarino, Mary Haraz, Dolores Higgins, Rich and Fran Hogan, Katie, Aniello Madonna, Ann Major, Mayra Medina, Patricia Morelli, James Moulder, Edward Nooney, John Oghia, Ralph Perez, Sam Pontieri, AnnMarie Puchala, Michael Quinlan, Yolanda Ramos, Brian Romeo, Carol Rosenberger, Harry Rothlin, Michael Ruffley, Joseph Russo, Jr., Carol Safchinsky, Paul Sachkowsky, Claire Salamon, Lynn San-tos, Donna Semko, Donna Shenesky, Carl Sicignano, Roman Stefano, Ruth Tschinkel, Theresa Veverka, Susan Whitlock, Mary Wojciechowski, Mary Yuhas, Edward, Candida and Ed-ward, Jr. Zglobicki. Please pray for all the sick. (Names will

remain on our sick list for one month after which time they will

be removed, unless we are notified to the contrary.) The Clergy

will be happy to visit parishioners confined to local hospitals.

Phone the Pastoral Center.

••Life Choices Peer Counselor training: Are you a good listener? Life Choices, a Pregnancy Help Center, assists women faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Carolyn: (732-516-0911) or email lifechoices @optonline.net. ••Mount St. Mary House of Prayer Retreats, 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung. Website: msmhope.org (Retreat dates). ••St. Stanislaus Kostka Holy Name Society Fish Fry, First

Friday of Lent, February 16, 4:30pm-7:30pm. St. Stan’s School 221 MacArthur Ave., Sayreville Tickets: 732.254.0212. ••Music at St. Marys, Sunday, February 18, 4pm, 256 Augusta Street, S. Amboy. Pianist, Carolyn Enger! Listen to her deeply felt interpretations of Beethoven and Schubert. Free ($15 don.) ••Cherish the Ladies, Irish Traditional Music and Dance

Ensemble, Sunday, February 25, 7pm, American Legion Joyce Kilmer Post, JFK Drive, Milltown. Benefits veterans with PTSD. Tickets: $35 Tommy 732.254.8864 or John 908.705.1606. ••Relay for Life of Old Bridge, May 19, 12 Noon until

Midnight! Info: Janet Reed chaplainj2007@gmail.com or Vicky Allen: vicky.allen@cancer.org/732.292.4264. ••Come and Sail away on a 10-night Mediterranean Cruise

with Father Aron on October 18-28, 2018, on Holland America. Info: Doug or Eileen 860.399.1785 or email eileen@catholic cruisesandtours.com.

HOT LINE NUMBERS:

• Alanon/Alateen: 1-888-425-2666

• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-992-0401

• Nar-Anon of NJ 1-877-424-4491

• Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-888-568-1112

• Domestic Violence: 1-800-572-7233

• NJ Gamblers Anonymous: 1-855-222-5542

• Suicide/Crisis: 1-800-999-9999

BINGO

(Including progressive) All proceeds support Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish School: Sundays - 5:00pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays - 11:30am; Friday—9:00pm and Midnight.

SENIOR’S MEETING

Our next meeting will be Monday, March 5, 1pm in the Pastoral Center.

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY…

…with insurance and estate planning. Catholic Financial Foundations & Knights of Columbus session: March 8,

7pm, St. Thomas Church, Parish Rm. There are MAJOR

changes to NJ Estate tax that was effective January 1, 2018. Speakers: Mark Boutros, Jason Valdez and Kenneth Ver-cammen, Esq. Chair of ABA Probate & Estate Pl. Law. Free session and complimentary brochures. Please email to reserve a seat Mark.Boutros@KOFC.org.

St. Thomas the Apostle School Presents...

FAMILY MAGIC NIGHT

WITH DAVID CORSARO!

DINNER & SHOW!

Saturday, February 24, Doors open 7:30pm/8pm Show,

St. Thomas School, 333 Hwy 18, Auditorium. $15 Adults/$10 Children under 14. Bring your family and friends, pasta dinner, bake sale and fun raffles!!! RSVP to tkl04@yahoo.com.����

CATHOLIC PRESS MONTH

The annual drive to support our diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Spirit, is taking place this month. Please support their good work by using the envelope in your packet.

ST. AMBROSE BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, February 11, 9am –11am, Throckmorton Lane,

church auditorium. Call 201.251.3703 for more details!

CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS!