Rev. Nicholas Bozza, Pastor 375 Main Street, P.O. Box 730, Chester, New Jersey 07930

Coordinators of Religious Education:

Carla Fuscaldo, Dorothy Kudron, Terry Leing

Cynthia Vittitow— Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Brian Flanagan — Confirmation

Kathleen Galdi — DRE

Music Minister: Joseph P. Tamburro

Youth Minister: Brian Flanagan

Mercy Minister: Cindy Zeis

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN: Gr. 1-8: Sun. 9:00-10:45 am (includes Mass)

Gr. 5-8: Sun. 5:00-7:00 pm (includes Mass)

Gr. 9-10: Sun. 5:50-8:15 pm (includes Mass)

CGS: Sun. 9:00-11:00 am OR Tues. 4:30-5:45 pm

Gr. K-8: Thurs. 4:45-6:00 pm

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: RCIA: Sundays (September-Easter)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 4:00-4:45 pm, Monday: 6:30-7:00 pm & on request.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office anytime for communion calls or visitation

of the sick and elderly. Keep us informed so that we can be attentive to

those who are ill at home or in the hospital.

Parish Email: parish@stlchester.org

Parish Web Site: www.stlchester.org

Web Master: Joanne Franklin (908-879-6222)

Welcome Rosemary Lohrmann (973) 214-4806 Haiti Twinning Program Christine Colannino (201) 314-9824

Bereavement Resource Don Martone (201) 274-9723 Lectors John Kennington (908) 872-0575

Good Samaritans Patsy Soden (908) 879-3374 Eucharistic Ministers Loretta Stewart (973) 222-7492

Grocery Cards Jean Ward (908) 334-3442 Ushers Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Moms & Tots Melissa Altieri (908) 797-0676 Music Minister Joe Tamburro (347) 213-0621

Arimathaea Arlene McDonald (973) 229-9697 Spanish Ministry Louis Villafane (908) 879-3032

Liturgical Environment Joanne Carr (908) 879-5543 Youth Minister Brian Flanagan (973) 946-8770

Women’s Cornerstone Lissette Howell (973) 975-7343 Altar Servers Chuck Feller (908) 768-2838

Men’s Cornerstone Don Scobell (908) 507-3145 Evangelization Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Pastoral Adv. Board Jerry Frech (908) 377-2900 RCIA Jan Richards (908) 975-3555

Rosary Society Marie Holl (908) 876-3488 Respect Life Connie Wieczorek (908) 879-6453

Media Ministry Carla Fuscaldo (908) 879-7647 Barn Ministry Ed Wieczorek (908) 300-0098

Mary’s Moonflowers Karen Jones (973) 479-5271 Family Mass Social Marc McFeely (973) 222-9739

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Yohan Serrano

Permanent Deacon: William DeVizio

Trustees: Phil Guidone, Margie Scobell

Parish Secretary: Karen Jaworski

Accountant: Sharon McCann Business Manager: Bill McCormick

MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish), 6:00 pm

Daily Mass: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am & 9:00 am, Sat. 9:00 am

Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 pm

Holy Day: 8:00 am, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm (bi-lingual)

Healing Mass: 7:00 pm every 3rd Tuesday of month. Rosary at 6:30 pm

BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

SPANISH BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

MARRIAGES: Please contact the Priest/Deacon whom you wish to officiate at your

wedding one year in advance to arrange for Marriage Preparation

Sessions.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP: Every family moving into the parish is requested to register. If you move

to another parish or change your address, please notify the Parish Office.

St. Lawrence the Martyr Church SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church is a loving and welcoming

community of disciples of Jesus who invite you to join us in becoming

disciples of Jesus. As disciples, we are faithful to prayer, to listening to

God’s Word, to meeting with Jesus in the sacraments, to building community,

and to serving others.

Parish Office: 908-879-5371 Priests’ Home: 908-879-1901 Religious Ed.: 908-879-6714 Youth Minister: 973-946-8770 Fax: 908-879-7701

Parish Ministries and Ministry Facilitators

Page Two SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

LORD JESUS, NEVER LET ME BE PARTED FROM YOU

There is a beautiful prayer that priest says in a low voice before he receives Holy Communion. He says:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,

Who, by the will of the Father,

And the work of the Holy Spirit,

Through your Death gave life to the world.

Free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood,

From all my sins and from every evil;

Keep me always faithful to your commandments,

And never let me be parted from you.”

There are some beautiful notions expressed in this prayer. In the Eucharist, we are remembering the Death

and the Resurrection of Jesus. His saving death was according to the Father’s will. The Holy Spirit was

poured forth with the death of Jesus. Receiving Jesus in Holy Communion helps to free us from sin and from

every evil. Keeping faithful to God’s commandments helps to keep us free from sin. The sad result of sin is

separation from God. We want to do all in our power to be free from sin and to avoid separation from God.

The prayers of the Mass can teach us so much!

AVOIDING THE OCCULT

The first commandment directs us to love and worship God and to avoid false gods. The occult brings us in-

to contact with false gods. The occult includes making use of fortune tellers and palm readers, trying to con-

tact the dead, the use of tarot cards and ouija boards, and astrology. Such occult practices can cause us to be

influenced by Satan or other demons.

ADDITIONAL CONFESSION TIMES

This week we will have confessions on Tuesday, during and after the Healing Mass and on Friday and Satur-

day at 7 pm. We will have more than one priest on Friday and Saturday.

God bless.

Father Nick

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Page Three SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THIS WEEK

Sunday

• Classes - 9:00 am, 5:00 pm

Thursday

• Classes - 4:45 pm

Sunday

• No classes

MEETINGS / EVENTS THIS WEEK

Tuesday

• Tutoring - 4:30 pm

• Healing Mass - 7:00 pm (Rosary at 6:30 pm)

• Beginner ESL - 7:30 pm

Wednesday

• Bold TNL Christmas Party - 7:30 pm

• ESL - 7:30 pm

Thursday

• Moms & Tots - 10:00 am

• Adult Choir - 7:00 pm

Friday

• Divine Mercy Chaplet - 3:00 pm

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SICK . . .

Kirsten Mumma, William Ware, Julio Carrera, Sebastian Quinn,

Sister Eucharia, Bishop Frank Rodimer, Father Eugene Romano,

Father Paul Knauer, Father Rafael Perez, Father Daniel Kelly, Fa-

ther Joseph Farias, Msgr. Richard Rusconi, Msgr. Peter McBride,

Deacon Hector Cassillas, Patrick John Moran, Ann Kelly, Lloyd

Matsamoto, Helen Crowe, Jane Alt, Patrick Pronio, Allison Spina,

Lesley Pawar, Tom Walsh, Brian Graham, Colleen Saito, William

Kelly, Mary Norwood, Mary Lanzara, Cade Feitel, Carole Stessl,

Dick Goodwin, Nicholas Brown, Jane Rufino, Kevin Callahan,

Judith Stampone, Paul Fitzgerald, Charlotte Poth, Colleen Looby,

George Serafin, Charlie Romano, Salman Javed, Joe Cillo, Jerry

Green, Mary Constantinople, Dan McGuigan, Daisy Hallock, Ryan

Menzel, Vincent & Giuliana Petane, Betty Macaluso, Dorothy

Powers, Wesley Snawder, Tom Murray, Eidelia Jimenez Martinez,

Mila Balicki, Consiglia Erdenberger, Arnold Family, Bonnie

Lieberworth, Barbara Drive, Jack Ratti, Finn Michael, Olivia Gill,

Teresa Smith, Frances Ferreri, Teresa Colamonaco, Baby Gianni

Mazza, Carol Mattone, Anna Birsilli Garich, Greg Villafane, Anne

Owens McGrath, Janet Courtland, Jack Arnold, Lily Barbero,

Hunter Barbero, Robert LeFrancis, Moire Riley, Brian Spring, Jim

Robertiello, Doug Blessen, Barbara Davis, Jim Kielley, Jimena

Garcia, Jorge Lombardo, Janice Thurston, Matt Adonis, Jim Balic-

ki, Bill Renzetti, Bill Pigot, Rosa Salgado, Vera Sax, David Gou-

lart, Christine Clark, Winnie Knapik, Kolbe, Paul Maurer, Joanne

Seiller, Gail Anderson, Phillip Heery, Frank Loprest, John Memo-

ra, Buddy Black, Annerys Castillo, Jesus Serrano, Teresa Toro

Penagos, Kitty, Susan Novick, Stephanie Gonda, Bob Sircovich,

Camille McQueen, Brayden Michael, Cassie Bollwork, Julie

Hasbrouck, Stanley Kudron, Michael Mooney, Ed Poto, Thomas

Kennedy

Please help us keep this list up to date! Call 908-879-5371

and let us know if a name should be added or deleted.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Years ago, the trick question on religion quizzes would

be to name all the liturgical colors, or the colors of the

vestments worn at Mass. Rose is a color seldom seen,

used at most two days a year. Today, “Gaudete Sunday,”

is one of those days. The name of the day is drawn from

an opening verse in the old Latin Mass texts: Gaudete is

Latin for “Rejoice!” This year’s Gospel certainly reflects

that mood as Elizabeth feels her infant within her leaping

for joy at the presence of Mary. Mary’s visit to her aged

cousin is an act of compassion between women, as two

kinswomen who are bearing children into the world share

their joy. Some churches retain the custom of having the priest

wear rose vestments today, and many will use a rose can-

dle in the Advent wreath. Violet is the official color for

Advent and Lent, but many parishes employ different

hues for each season, trying to keep them distinct. In me-

dieval times, dye was costly, and poor parishes used un-

ornamented plain cloth for vestments. Dyes were expen-

sive and some colors, particularly purple, difficult to

achieve. In England, purple dye was made from mol-

lusks, yielding at best a deep indigo or blue and not the

desired violet. Thus, the color of Advent in the British

Isles has long been a deep blue, reminding many people

of Mary’s presence at the heart of the Advent mystery.

That theology is largely unplanned: it’s all because of the

clams!

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

December 22-23

5:00 pm

CB – Julia

Katz

S1 – Justin

Katz

S2 – Aman-

da Katz

7:30 am

CB –

S1 –

S2 –

9:00 am

CB Christian Iannuzzelli

S1 – Sofia

Varua

S2 – Nick

Weah

11:00 am

CB Kyleigh Kennington

S1 – Margo

Higgins

S2 - Gretch-

en Higgins

6:00 pm

CB Andrew

Guido

S1 – Aidan

Howell

S2 Stephen

Howell

WITNESSES

Our actions are the best witnesses of our thoughts.

~Anonymous

ALTAR SERVER COORDINATOR NEEDED

We are requesting someone to take over the job of Altar

Server Coordinator at St. Lawrence Church. This position

offers a rewarding opportunity to work with the youth of

our parish. This includes scheduling them for Masses and

ensuring that new servers are trained. If interested, please

contact Karen at 908-879-5371 in the Parish Office.

Page Four SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES

The Good Samaritans will be sorting and

distributing the Giving Tree donations early

this week. Please remember to return

your gift TODAY, Sunday, December 16,

as the gifts will be picked up this week by

the participating organizations so that

they have time to distribute to the families

in need. Thank you so much for your continued support

of this worthwhile project! The Good Samaritans wish

you and your families a very blessed Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS CONFESSION & MASS SCHEDULE

Confession

Mondays at 6:30 pm; Saturdays at 4:00 pm

Additional times: Fri., Dec. 21 & Sat. Dec. 22 at 7:00 pm

Christmas Eve Masses

4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm (Spanish) and 10 pm

Christmas Day Masses

7:30 am, 9 am and 11 am

CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR

Calendars for 2019 are now available.

Be sure to pick one up after Mass.

MASS BOOK 2019

Open for your Mass intentions.

TRAVELING MARY

Our “Traveling Mary” is a statue of Our

Lady of Fatima which will spend the

week in your home. We are asking that

families/individuals say the rosary dur-

ing that week. Along with the statue are

some pamphlets on how to say the Ro-

sary, a DVD for younger children and

some rosary beads for you to use. Let’s

keep “Mary” traveling throughout the

parish! Please contact the Faith For-

mation Office (908-879-6714) if you are

interested.

MARCH FOR LIFE

Friday, January 18, 2019

Washington, D.C. Save the date!

Help us be the voice that supports life

from conception to natural death.

WE WERE ASKED TO ANNOUNCE

Choose ‘n Cut Christmas Trees

St. Paul’s Abbey, on Route 206 one mile south of Newton,

has thousands of Christmas trees ready to choose and cut.

Open 7 days a week now through December 23, 9-4 pm. The

Abbey Gift Shop is also open for many items that make

great Christmas gifts including books, statues, jewelry, and

more.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Claus is coming to town!

Come join Santa for a Christmas sing-along, photos and

crafts. Festivities take place on Sunday, December 16, from

12:45-2:30 pm at St. Joseph School cafeteria, located at 8

West Main Street, Mendham. 973-543-7474, ext. 7,

www.sjsmendham.org. FREE OF CHARGE!

IMPRESSIONABLE

A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.

~Ancient Chinese proverb

A SMALL GIFT MULTIPLIED

Jesus knows how we hunger in this life. He walks with us

and sees how we struggle and triumph. He is not only

aware of our hunger, but knows exactly what we need to

satisfy ourselves. We often try to satisfy our own crav-

ings with those things that are not good for us. Jesus

knows better because He has been with us from the mo-

ment of our creation. No amount of self-awareness can

top that knowledge.

During this Advent season, what is it that you truly hun-

ger for daily? Sometimes we may think that our hunger is

so great that there is not enough available to satisfy.

However, Jesus is the one who multiplies what little is

provided to feed the masses.

While you contemplate how you hunger, perhaps you can

consider those around you who have hungers that need

satisfying. You don’t have to provide everything needed

to fill them up, only a little. Jesus will do the rest. As a

good Everyday Steward, you may just have the few fish

and loaves of bread to feed more than you could even

imagine.

Advent Challenge:

What small gift can you provide for someone today that

Jesus can multiply into something quite extraordinary?

Page Five SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2018 - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2018 8:00 am - Ralph Bozza

9:00 am - Raymond Hubbs

- For the Souls in Purgatory

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018

8:00 am - Paul Payne

9:00 am - Rosa Herminia Echavarria

7:00 pm - Spec. Int. of Rotter Family

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 8:00 am - Spec. Int. of Sommer Family

9:00 am - Jim Sommer

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018 8:00 am - Ralph Bozza

9:00 am - Joyce Reichel

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 8:00 am - Tom & Agnes Sweeney

9:00 am - John Maguire

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

9:00 am - Ralph Bozza

- Marlee Juliano

5:00 pm - Irene Skowronski

- Kratochvil & Stykes Families

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 7:30 am - Ralph Bozza

- Mary Lonagan

9:00 am - Dr. Anthony J. Borrelli

- Rosemarie Serrano

11:00 am - For the People of the Parish

12:30 pm - Spec. Int. of Brian Spring

6:00 pm - Richard & Jean Flora Nacchio

TITHING IS GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING.

Biblically a tithe means 10%. All are asked to consider

tithing and return 10% of our income to the Lord (5% to

the parish, 5% to God’s other charities) in gratitude. The

spiritual practice of tithing disposes us to make God first

in every area of our lives! The aim is to secure not the

tithe, but the tither. Not the gift, but the giver — for God!

Tithing Income December 9, 2018 $10,744.00

Tithing Income December 10, 2017 $12,452.00

Reflection: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your

requests known to God.” PHILIPPIANS 4:6

St. Paul reminds us that our God is an abundant God, the

ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we

need. When we trust that God will take care of us, it is

easier for us to share what we have been given.

From Father Nick: “I thank you for your faithfulness in

giving and for the sacrifices that you make for the Lord

and His work and for our parish!”

A Testimony from Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish

in Kinnelon, NJ: “My wife and I learned the very real

spiritual component of tithing. We read and listened to

testimony after testimony revealing how the Lord really

‘takes over’ and enables the tithing program to almost

care for itself. What’s really remarkable is the ‘money

part’ of tithing becomes an afterthought when compared

to the spiritual richness and other blessings that have

flowed from our commitment to tithe.”

REJOICE! Today has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday.”

The Latin tag is derived from Paul’s appeal in the second

reading to “rejoice always in the Lord,” and the Latin

Mass text based on that reading. The irony and paradox

of this Christian joy is underlined by the fact that Paul

wrote those words in prison. But from there he could see

the progress of God’s work.

Is it obvious to us? We feel that this is not the time for

joy when there is so much suffering and moral evil. It is

interesting, then, that the first reading is from the prophet

Zephaniah, who is almost exclusively concerned with

gloomy visions of Judgment Day. Today the Church se-

lects the only optimistic text in Zephaniah, in which the

prophet has been touched by the spirit of joy.

This, we are assured on all sides, is “the season of joy.”

Let us recapture that feeling of joy in our lives and reflect

it to those who are joyless.

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — Your God will sing joyfully because of

you, as one sings at festivals (Zephaniah 3:14-18a).

Psalm — Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you

is the great and Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 12:6).

Second Reading — Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall

say it again: rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7).

Gospel — Whoever who has two cloaks should share

with the person who has none. Whoever who has food

should do likewise (Luke 3:10-18).

MASS READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:1-4ab, 7-8, 17;

Mt 1:1-17

Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19;

Mt 1:18-25

Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab,

16-17; Lk 1:5-25

Thursday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38

Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a;

Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45

Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56

Sunday: Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19;

Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45

NEXT HEALING MASS

Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 pm (Rosary at 6:30 pm)