St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church 30 Jackson Street, South River, NJ 08882
Phone: 732-254-2220 Fax: 732-651-8182
Website: www.stmarysr.com Facebook.com/stmarysr
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Saint Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, a Roman
Catholic Community, embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ by fostering our rich traditions and serving the needs of others. Through worship,
sacrament and prayer, all are invited to join with us as we continue to inspire and strengthen
our parish family.
MARCH 20, 2016 Palm Sunday of
The Passion of the Lord
PARISH STAFF:
Rev. Michael J. Gromadzki Pastor
Thomas F. Dominiecki Deacon
Mark Hennicke Deacon
Mrs. Gayle Spezio, Assistant Administrator
Mrs. Elizabeth Kurtz, Cemetery Coordinator
Mrs. Rosemary Eckert, P.C.L., Faith Formation
PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION
PARISH OFFICE: CEMETERY OFFICE: [email protected] [email protected]
PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: [email protected]
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL ALUMNI [email protected]
MASS SCHEDULE:
Sunday: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM (Children’s Liturgy), 12:00 N (Polish)
Saturday: Vigil Mass 4:00 PM Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:00 AM / Thurs: 6:30 PM
Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 7:00 PM
ROSARY: Prayed before daily Mass & before 4 PM Vigil & 8:30 AM
Sunday Mass.
MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA: Every Monday following the 8:00 AM Mass.
DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: Prayed following all weekday Masses.
CONFESSIONS: Saturdays 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon or by appointment.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1:00 - 4:30 PM
Or By Appointment
OFFICES CLOSED ON ALL HOLY DAYS & HOLIDAYS
PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD
SATURDAY (SOBOTA), MARCH 19 4 PM Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish
SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), MARCH 20 8:30 +Russell Koch, Sr. & +Leonard Blaska Req. by: Russ, Barbara & Len 10:30 +Leonard Florek Req. by: Wife, Children & Grandchildren 12 N +Walenty Domagala Req. by: Sister & Family Gorzkie Żale
MONDAY (PONIEDZIALEK), MARCH 21 Monday of Holy Week 8 AM +Leonard F. & Stella F. Blaska Req. by: Barb, Russ & Len
TUESDAY (WTOREK), MARCH 22 Tuesday of Holy Week 8 AM +Joseph & Pauline Jancheski Req. by: Ted & Charlotte
WEDNESDAY (SRODA), MARCH 23 Wednesday of Holy Week 8 AM +Paulina & Jan Brys Req. by: Helen Rojek
THURSDAY (CZWARTEK), MARCH 24 Thursday of Holy Week / Holy Thursday 8 AM Morning Prayer 7 PM Mass of the Lord’s Supper
FRIDAY (PIATEK), MARCH 25 Friday of the Passion of the Lord / Good Friday 8 AM Morning Prayer 2:30PM Divine Mercy Chaplet 3 PM Passion Service 7 PM Stations of the Cross ~ English & Polish
SATURDAY (SOBOTA), MARCH 26 Holy Saturday 8 AM Morning Prayer 7 PM Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish
SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), MARCH 27 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 6:30 +Michael Wywrot Req. by: Parents 8:30 +Chester Migut Req. by: Wife, Sophie Migut & Son, Raymond 10:00 +Anna & John Adamusik Req. by: Son, Joe
MASS INTENTIONS . . . Anyone wishing to present the gifts at the Offertory of the Mass, kindly speak to an usher prior to the beginning of Mass. Family members of those for whom the Mass is offered are always welcomed and encouraged to present the gifts and given priority.
PARISH REGISTRATION: All parishioners should be registered. Parishioners over the age of 18 should register independently of their parents. It is necessary to be a registered parishioner for at least 3 months in order for us to provide testimonial letters. Kindly notify the Parish Office of any changes.
BAPTISMS: Fourth Sunday of the month at 1 PM. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements prior to making social plans. Parents & godparents must attend instructions on the third Sunday of the month at 11:30 AM in the Seniors’ Room. MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least one year in advance, prior to making social plans. SICK CALLS: Arrangements for communion calls to the sick can be made by calling the Parish Office. Please notify the Parish Office when a parishioner is in the hospital. Emergency calls are made at any time.
PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP): Instruction in the Catholic Faith for children in grades 1-8. Classes are held from September to April on Monday afternoons from 4:30 - 5:45 PM. Please contact the Parish Office for further information. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): A process of prayer, study, & spiritual formation which prepares unbaptized adults & adults baptized outside the Catholic Church to be in full communion.. Any adult 18 years of age or older who desires becoming a Catholic should call the Parish Office.
THE HOLY FATHER’S INTENTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH
Universal: Families in Difficulty - That families in need may receive the necessary support and that children may grow up in healthy and peaceful environments.
Evangelization: Persecuted Christians - That those Christians who, on account of their faith, are discriminated against or are being persecuted, may remain strong and faithful to the Gospel, thanks to the incessant prayer of the Church.
PALM SUNDAY
“I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”
-Luke 22:34
How many times have you heard someone make a disparaging comment about Jesus or the Catholic faith? How do you react? Do you remain quiet not to cause a disturbance or worst yet, because you don’t want your friends or family to think negatively about you? Pray for the courage to speak up and enter into a respectful dialogue.
Monday, March 21 Seniors’ Meeting 10 AM, Seniors’ Room PREP Classes 4:30-5:45 PM Chrism Mass 7:30 PM, St. Francis Cathedral
Tuesday, March 22 Cenacle Prayer Group 8:30 AM, Chapel Holy Hour with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament Babka Pick up 3 - 6 PM, Parish Center Parish Office Closed
Wednesday, March 23 Parish Office Closed
Thursday, March 24 ~ Holy Thursday Morning Prayer 8 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7 PM Parish Office Closed
Friday, March 25 ~ Good Friday Morning Prayer 8 AM Divine Mercy Chaplet 2:30 PM Passion 3 PM Stations of the Cross ~ English & Polish 7 PM Parish Office Closed
Saturday, March 26 ~ Holy Saturday Morning Prayer 8 AM Blessing of Easter Food 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 N, 1 PM Parish Center Easter Vigil 7 PM
Sunday, March 27 ~ Easter Sunday Resurrection Mass in Polish 6:30 AM Masses in English 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM Easter Egg Hunt after all Masses on Rectory Lawn
THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE . . .
IN OUR HEARTS & PRAYERS . . .
WINE & HOSTS
+Mary Salatowski - Friends
REMEMBER THE SICK & HOMEBOUND, especially: Cindy Abreu-Maia, Nina Argresta, John Bladzinski, Marie Borichewski, Patricia Brink, Cathy Christan, Joan DeBoer, Thomas DelGuercio, John Dominiecki, Mary Dzienkowski, Tom Fackovec, Evelyn Fafara, Penelope Fry, Sophie Galinski, John Ganser, Matthew Giardelli, Maryann Goccia, Charles Griscavage, Amelia Halmo, Jean Hill, Aaron Hode, Eleanor Holz, Helen Hydrusko, Rose Johnson, Catheryn Kelly, Josephine Kish, Jason Klee, Marion Kovacs, Joan Krenzel, Mary P. Lementowicz, Michael Lucas, Tommy Lukowski, Anthony Martino, Wanda Massaro, Dorothy McMahon, Hannah Grace Michlik, Rozalia Milkowski, Frances Moken, Irene Palmowski, Joe Pawelek, Nicholas Piacenti, Stanley Plewa, Cecelia Polanski, Kevin Rasimowicz, C. Rasmussen, Edna Rice, Sr. Rosangela, Rosalie Rudy, Sean Ryan, Steven Samuel, Gregory Sciscoe, Eleanor Scupp, Stephen Soehngen, Joe Szumski, Pauline Terelmes, Sylvia Thrasher, Christine Tobin, Maria Uzzo, Arlene Watson, Claire Watson, Karolina Wojciechowski, Mary Wojciechowski, Edward Wolanin, Jr., Kathryn Wolanin, Barbara Zambrzicky, Maria Zamoyski, Henry Ziolkowski.
CANDLE INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Sanctuary Candle ~ Church +Michael Wywrot - Parents
Blessed Mother’s Altar Candles +Michael & Vera Nowicki - Friends
Sacred Heart Altar Candles +Victor & Regina Charapowicki - Friends
Candle for St. Joseph +Anna Korygoski - Lorraine & John
Candle For St. Anthony +Kurt Schmidt - Lorraine & John
Our Lady of Ostrabrama Candles Easter Blessings for the Parish - Friends
Sanctuary Candle ~ Chapel +John Raymond Rzepka - Friends
Divine Mercy Candles ~ Chapel +John & Sophie Rzepka - Friends
St. Anne’s Altar Candles ~ Chapel {Available ~ $25 for two candles for one week}
La Pieta Grotto Candles {Available ~ $25 for two candles for one week}
Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements to donate candles or wine & hosts in honor of a loved one.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMORIALS
In addition to Mass intentions, St. Mary’s offers a variety of options to remember your loved
ones or special occasions. All of the following are available throughout the year. The names and/or intentions will be printed in the bulletin for that week. Please contact the Parish Office for details and availability.
Altar Flowers: Available weekly for specific areas in the church & chapel except Lent & Advent
Wine & Hosts: Available for Masses for one week Candle Intentions: Available weekly for specific
areas in the church & chapel Memorial Room Candles: Available monthly Memorial Room Plaques: Various sizes available Tree of Life: Leaves still available
PARISH OFFICE HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
In observance of Holy Week, the Parish Office will be closed Tuesday, March 22 thru Friday, March 25. The office will reopen on Monday, March 28.
Thank you and may you have a Blessed Holy Week!
IN OUR PARISH . . .
Shop-Rite and Stop & Shop
Certificates
Everyone needs to shop for groceries & prescriptions. The certificates program is a means for St. Mary’s to earn five cents on every dollar spent at Shop-Rite and Stop & Shop without any additional cost to shoppers. Certificates are available before and after all Masses at the entrances of the church, or may be purchased at the Parish Office during regular office hours.
Rebuild my CHURCH
REMEMBER ST. MARY’S IN YOUR WILL
God will never be outdone in generosity.
Please remember St. Mary’s Parish in your Will & Testament!
~ Fr. Michael G.
GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING . . .
St. Mary’s Parish is totally dependent upon the generosity of its parishioners for parish support. Our church support program is called “Sacrificial Giving”. Each individual parishioner or family is asked to consistently give “their fair share”, in support of their parish in a spirit of thanksgiving to God, to enable our parish church to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. The envelopes provided for you are to be used as gift wrappers for each sacrificial gift you give to the Lord. Please be generous, since God is generous to us.
Sunday Collection - March 13, 2016 Collection amounts for this week were not
available at the time of the bulletin deadline.
Thank You & God Bless You! Bóg Zapłać!
Our next Parish Raffle is scheduled for Sunday, April 3, 2016 ~ just two weeks away! Please send in your raffle tickets as soon as possible. Please
support this important fundraiser for our parish. Additional tickets are available after Mass at the entrances of the church or in the Parish Office during business hours.
St. Mary of Ostrabrama Building Restoration Project Update . . .
Balance: $30,353.85
A special Thank You and God’s Blessing to all who have generously contributed to this project so far!
GOODSEARCH.COM
To date, contributions to St. Mary’s Church for using goodsearch.com: $100.16
Thank you & Bóg Zapłać to all who use goodsearch.com to browse and make purchases on the Internet.
2015 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL Grace, Mercy & Peace
If you have yet to make your gift, please do so today! Your gift should be based on your means and circumstances--a private decision between you and God. This past year, thousands of local Catholics received services through Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.
Without the support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, these programs would have to be reduced or in some cases eliminated. Please give as generously as your means allow.
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~ Please patronize our advertisers! ~
They make our Parish Bulletin possible.
Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter Sunday following all Masses on the Rectory Lawn.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please make note that on March 24, 25 and March 27, a “Tile the Church” envelope replaces the weekend Building fund envelope. The funds from this collection will be used to update the flooring of the main church.
LET’S NOT FORGET COLLECTION FOR RETIRED PRIESTS
The second collection today is for the Fund for our Retired Diocesan Priests. This collection is exclusively for the benefit of our 28 retired priests, as well as, our active priests upon their retirement. May your generosity to this collection reflect your gratitude and love for our retired priests who have been dedicated and faithful to their priesthood over the years. Let’s not forget.
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Music Ministry …
Hymns are sung Prayers. Following and reading the words of the hymns and songs is praying, too!
Let’s all pray together!
The Parish Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Children’s Room in the lower level of the church. New members see Lawrence Lasko, our organist, or leave your name and contact information with the parish office.
LENT & MUSIC ... The season of Lent is a time of introspection, reflection and penance. The liturgy reflects this in color, prayers and music. During the five weeks of Lent, we will use the following from the Breaking Bread Hymnal:
Sanctus #850 Acclamation: Save us, Savior…#885
Amen: #852; Agnus Dei: #854.
“Sing Praise to the Lord”
Easter Sunday Mass Schedule at St. Mary’s
Please make note of the special Mass times for Easter:
Saturday Easter Vigil: 7:00 PM
Easter Sunday: 6:30 AM Resurrection
Mass in Polish 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM
in English
St. Mary of Ostrabrama Holy Week Schedule
2016
Sunday, March 20 ~ Palm Sunday
Masses: 8:30 am, 10:30 am English 12 noon Polish ~ Gorzkie Zale
Monday, March 21 Mass: 8:00 am
Chrism Mass 7:30 pm St. Francis Cathedral
Tuesday & Wednesday, March 22 & 23 Mass: 8:00 am
Thursday, March 24 ~ Holy Thursday Morning Prayer: 8:00 am
Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 pm
Friday, March 25 ~ Good Friday Morning Prayer: 8:00 am
Divine Mercy Chaplet: 2:30 pm Passion: 3:00 pm
Stations of the Cross: 7:00 pm English & Polish
Saturday, March 26 ~ Holy Saturday Morning Prayer: 8:00 am Blessing of Easter Food:
10am, 11am, 12n, 1pm Parish Center
Seniors’ News
Healing Mass Monday, April 11, 2016
11:00 AM
This Mass is reserved for those age 55+ and those whose health is impaired by sickness or old age. Services begin with the Rosary at 10:15 AM, followed by the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and private meditation before the 11:00 AM Mass and Anointing.
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Today, we have re-enacted the coming of Jesus into Jerusalem. We have blessed the palms and held them as we proclaimed Jesus as LORD!. Those in Jerusalem used the palms to wave and cover the road. Then, those who honored Jesus used palms; today, we
honor Him in our own way as we proclaim Him our Lord and Savior. Our gifts, generously given this day, enable St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church to proclaim this Holy Week the wonderful Story of God’s redemption of humankind.
AROUND THE DIOCESE . . .
Listen Eagerly
Set time aside each day for quietness. It is in the stillness that you can hear the voice of God. Take five minutes a day to unplug, logout, and disconnect. Simply rest in the presence of God.
- from Created to Relate
MINUTE MEDITATION
Sacraments at St. Mary of Ostrabrama
2016
We are pleased to announce that the following Sacraments have been scheduled at St. Mary’s:
First Holy Communion Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM
Confirmation Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 1:00 PM
Fr. Michael Gromadzki will be the presider at the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Please pray for the young people of our parish who are preparing for these very important sacraments.
May Our Lord bless our young
parishioners and the Holy Spirit guide them in their preparations.
FAITH FORMATION . . .
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY April 3, 2016
Celebrant: Rev. David V. Skoblow You are invited to join with us to celebrate Divine Mercy Devotions
1:30 to 4:30 PM
The devotions will include:
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Procession with Blessed Sacrament
Confessions (2 to 3 pm) 15 Decades of the Holy Rosary
Veneration of Divine Mercy Image Chaplet of Divine Mercy (Sung)
Benediction Celebration of the Holy Mass (3:30 pm)
Please come and join us!
St. Ambrose Bereavement Group If you or someone you know has suffered a loss of a loved one, attending our Bereavement Group is a place where you can begin to heal. There is no fee but registration is required. Meetings will be held at St. Ambrose Parish Office, 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge, in the St. Anthony Room, beginning on April 14 (6:30-8:00pm) and will run for 9 sessions. For information, please call 732-679-5666.
St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish Family welcomes our new
Bishop-Elect James F. Checchio
Bishop‐Elect Checchio will be ordained abishop and installed formally in theDioceseofMetuchenonMay3,2016.
May Our Lord continue to bless Bishop-Elect Checchio as he begins his
ministry to the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen.