WEEKDAY MASSES INWEEKDAY MASSES INWEEKDAY MASSES INWEEKDAY MASSES IN THE AREA:THE AREA:THE AREA:THE AREA: St. Jude’s, Hamburg St. Jude’s, Hamburg St. Jude’s, Hamburg St. Jude’s, Hamburg –––– Mon. Mon. Mon. Mon. –––– Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. –––– 8:45am8:45am8:45am8:45am

St. Francis de Sales, McAfee St. Francis de Sales, McAfee St. Francis de Sales, McAfee St. Francis de Sales, McAfee –––– Mon. Mon. Mon. Mon. ----Sat Sat Sat Sat –––– 8:30am8:30am8:30am8:30am

Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville –––– Mon.Mon.Mon.Mon.----Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. –––– 8:00am8:00am8:00am8:00am

Immac. Concept., Franklin Immac. Concept., Franklin Immac. Concept., Franklin Immac. Concept., Franklin ––––Tues, Wed. Fri, 7:30am, Sat. 9:00amTues, Wed. Fri, 7:30am, Sat. 9:00amTues, Wed. Fri, 7:30am, Sat. 9:00amTues, Wed. Fri, 7:30am, Sat. 9:00am

National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middletown, NY National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middletown, NY National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middletown, NY National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Middletown, NY

Mon.Mon.Mon.Mon.----Fri. 11:30am Fri. 11:30am Fri. 11:30am Fri. 11:30am

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

Stewardship Report – Treasure WEEKLY COLLECTION Budgeted Amount: $5,000.00 Regular Collection – 11/13/16: $2,810.00 Parish Pay – 11/13/16 (not yet reported) $ Total Regular Collection – 11/13/16: $ Parish Pay ---is a convenient way for you to set up your weekly contributions - online – visit ParishPay.com

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The Sanctuary Lamp is given this week: The Sanctuary Lamp is given this week: The Sanctuary Lamp is given this week: The Sanctuary Lamp is given this week: In memory ofIn memory ofIn memory ofIn memory of: : : : John & Hilary BattagliaJohn & Hilary BattagliaJohn & Hilary BattagliaJohn & Hilary Battaglia

Given byGiven byGiven byGiven by: : : : Jane BattagliaJane BattagliaJane BattagliaJane Battaglia

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEKMASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEKMASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEKMASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEK

11111111////22228888 MON:MON:MON:MON: 9999::::00a00a00a00a Peter HorvathPeter HorvathPeter HorvathPeter Horvath

11111111////22229999 TUESTUESTUESTUES: : : : 9:00a9:00a9:00a9:00a Special Intention (LIV)Special Intention (LIV)Special Intention (LIV)Special Intention (LIV)

11111/1/1/1/30303030 WED: WED: WED: WED: 9:00a 9:00a 9:00a 9:00a No Mass todayNo Mass todayNo Mass todayNo Mass today

11112222////1 1 1 1 TTTTHU: HU: HU: HU: 9:00a 9:00a 9:00a 9:00a People of the ParishPeople of the ParishPeople of the ParishPeople of the Parish

11112222////2222 FRI:FRI:FRI:FRI: 9999:00a :00a :00a :00a Rita GatlinRita GatlinRita GatlinRita Gatlin

11112222////3 3 3 3 SAT: SAT: SAT: SAT: 5555:00p :00p :00p :00p Joan YocamelliJoan YocamelliJoan YocamelliJoan Yocamelli

Dolores MalancheDolores MalancheDolores MalancheDolores Malanche

Maria MartinezMaria MartinezMaria MartinezMaria Martinez

11112222////4 4 4 4 SUN: SUN: SUN: SUN: 8:008:008:008:00a a a a Elsie & Ella Rodriguez (LIV)Elsie & Ella Rodriguez (LIV)Elsie & Ella Rodriguez (LIV)Elsie & Ella Rodriguez (LIV)

Celerino PorpillasrCelerino PorpillasrCelerino PorpillasrCelerino Porpillasr

Kathy ShawKathy ShawKathy ShawKathy Shaw

10:00a 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a John & Eleanor John & Eleanor John & Eleanor John & Eleanor MurrayMurrayMurrayMurray

Rita & Edwin PuzioRita & Edwin PuzioRita & Edwin PuzioRita & Edwin Puzio

Mary EckertMary EckertMary EckertMary Eckert

Florence DiStasiFlorence DiStasiFlorence DiStasiFlorence DiStasi

11111:45a 1:45a 1:45a 1:45a John SkehanJohn SkehanJohn SkehanJohn Skehan

ST. MONICA’S 2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Every registered parish family should have received a letter

from Fr. Charles this week asking for a contribution to our

Annual Campaign. The participation of ALL parishioners is

essential for the success of this effort. Extra letters can be found

on the table in the hall in case you did not receive one.

******************************************************************************************************** CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL ENVELOPES

Christmas Flower Memorial envelopes are available on the tables in the Church and hall – fill them in with the name(s) of your deceased loved ones and enclosed your monetary donation for a poinsettia to

be placed on the altar. A printed list of these is inserted in the bulletin and a copy placed on the altar. Return completed envelopes to the

box near the pulpit by no later than Dec. 18th.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENTFIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENTFIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENTFIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 27, 2016201620162016

PARISH EVENTS/MEETINGS COFFEE & DONUTS – is held on the first Sunday of each month after the 8:00am Mass in the Church Hall –next Coffee and Donuts is Sunday, December 4th - all are invited!

HELPING HANDS – meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the rectory meeting room. Please consider joining to support our parish. Contact Terry Westdyke at 845-258-8051 for further information. Helping Hands will be hosting our 7th Annual Fiesta de la Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe on Sunday, December

11th, 2016. There will be prayer, music, and a covered – dish dinner beginning at 3:00 P.M. Mexican, Spanish, and American foods will be served. Please sign up on the form in the church hall. For further information please contact Mary Eileen Schoen at 862 – 266 - 0573

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION – Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the Rectory Meeting Room. Weekly reading & reflection of the Sunday Scriptures –

fellowship time & refreshments follow. Call Carol at 973-875-4521.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP – The next book selection for November/December will be Jesus, A Pilgrimage by Fr. James Martin. The book is a wonderful resource written on the life of Jesus as Fr. Martin parallels the “Jesus of History” to the “Christ of Faith.” The group will meet in December – date TBA – please purchase your own copy of the book. Call Carol – 862-266-6626.

ST. MONICA’S LEISURE GROUP - Each month we enjoy lunch, good company and delicious desserts made by our members. 12:00 noon in the church hall -first Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Dues are $10 a year. New members are welcome. Contact Grace Casalino at 973-702-8569. Thurs. December 8th Christmas Party at Lampost Rest.

GIVING TREE – IS NOW READY with gift tags. Please select

your tag, shop & wrap your gift and secure the tag to it!! Gifts may be left in the Church Hall Saturday, Dec. 10 thru Thursday, Dec. 15th (Friday, 16th absolute latest) Gift brought on Saturday will not be used, just kept for next year. We hope you will participate in this caring tradition, helping us give Christmas to our area needy!

*********************************** CHOIR – if you were a member of our choir in the past – or if you are newly interested in singing, would you consider helping out for Christmas Midnight Mass? Please call the Rectory as soon as possible. Rehearsals will begin soon – all voices are

needed!!! Try something new and lend a hand – thank you!

************************************************** TRICKY TRAY

We wish to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our friends, parish families and business people who so graciously committed their time, monetary donations, wonderful trays and

support towards this very important fundraiser. Your dedication to support this event resulted in our achieving one of the most

successful tricky trays we have had in years, and we owe it all to you. Thanks to all of you from the Tricky Tray Committee.

To the Tricky Tray Committee: I would just like to take this opportunity to extend my most sincere thanks and gratitude to the

most amazing, dedicated and supportive group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Your devotion of your personal time and your commitment and enthusiasm once again helped us achieve one of our best events in years. I could not have done this

without your help. Thank you. Kathy D.

SCRIPTURE READINGS THIS WEEK Sunday Is 2:1-5; Rom 13:11-14; Mt 24:37-44 Monday Is 4:2-6; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday Is 11:1-10; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22 Thursday Is 26:1-6; Mt 7:21, 24-27 First Friday Is 29:17-24; Mt 9:27-31 First Saturday Is 30:19-21, 23-26; Mt 9:35—10:1, 5a, 6-8 Sunday 2 Sm 5:1-3; Col 1:12-20; Lk 23:35-43

ST. MONICA’S CHURCH – Contact info Phone #: 973-875-4521 Fax #: 973-875-7538 Parish office hours: 9:30– 1:30pm Mon-Fri

www.stmonicasussex.org Email: stmonica@ptd.net

PARISH REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Are you new to our parish? If so–welcome! Do you wish to register? If you are attending Mass and using our blue “blank” visitor envelopes and wish to receive our weekly envelopes in the mail, please register with us! There are many new faces at Mass each weekend – if you wish to become a registered member and put on our parish mailing list, there are blank registration forms on the table near the Church Hall exit (large white envelopes) – simply fill it out and mail back to the Rectory office (there is another envelope enclosed for this purpose – it couldn’t be any easier!

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SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON Wantage Elementary School Auditorium

Wednesday, December 7, 2016 (snow date) Thursday, December 8, 2016 - 12:00noon – 2:00pm

Please do not arrive before 11:30am. Parking will be in the rear of the building. All attendees must RSVP with a list of all party members

by Friday, December 2nd by calling: 973-875-4589

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Dance Expression - Dance Arts Proudly Presents “Happy Holidays” - A Holiday Dance Spectacular for the Senior Citizens of our local community. Including dance performances in jazz, theatre dance, modern, tap and ballet performed by dancers of all ages!!! Sunday, December 4, 2016 - 1 P.M at Wallkill Valley Regional High School Auditorium, 10 Grumm Road, Hamburg, NJ (off Rt. 94) Dance Performance - 3 P.M. Refreshments – Coffee, Cookies, Snacks, Door PRIZES, CANDY CANES - it’s all FREE!!!

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2016/2017 MASS REQUESTS - RESERVE FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2016 OR BOOK AHEAD FOR 2017

FOR MASS INTENTIONS & SANCTUARY LAMP DEVOTIONS CALL THE RECTORY 973-875-4521

Masses: $5.00 each; Mass cards: small($5.00) & large($10.00) sizes. Sanctuary candle devotions - for a one-week period - $5.00. *************************************************************************************************************************************

Thursday, December 8Thursday, December 8Thursday, December 8Thursday, December 8thththth is the Feast of the Iis the Feast of the Iis the Feast of the Iis the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. mmaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. mmaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. mmaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

This is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. This is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. This is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America. This is the Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America.

Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am & 7:30pm.Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am & 7:30pm.Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am & 7:30pm.Masses will be celebrated at 9:00am & 7:30pm.

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JOIN A PILGRIMAGE! Please consider joining the Book Discussion Group in reading Jesus, A Pilgrimage by

Fr. James Martin, SJ. - Please purchase your own copy of the book – Amazon.com or other – usually offers a good price!

“Having travelled to the Holy Land with our parish, I remember feeling overwhelmed by just being there in that special place, walking the roads that Jesus walked and welling up in tears multiple times. I would not hesitate to travel there again – for anyone who may wish to make a spiritual pilgrimage instead, consider reading this book along with us!” …….. Carol Bezak, MA, Pastoral Associate

“This book isn’t about a pilgrimage. It is a pilgrimage. I didn’t want the pilgrimage to end.” ...Dr. Scott Hahn, author of Understanding the Scriptures

“Part travel guide, part spiritual reflection, and part scripture study and altogether delightful.” …Cardinal Timothy Dolan James Martin, SJ, gifted storyteller, editor at large of America magazine, popular media commentator, and New York Times bestselling author of The

Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, brings the Gospels to life in Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and invites believers and seekers alike to experience Jesus through Scripture, prayer and travel. Combining the fascinating insights of historical Jesus studies with profound spiritual insights about the Christ of faith, Father Martin recreates the world of first-century Galilee and Judea to usher you into Jesus's life and times and show readers how Jesus speaks to us today. Martin also brings together the most up-to-date Scripture scholarship, wise spiritual reflections, and lighthearted stories about traveling through the Holy Land with a fellow (and funny) Jesuit, visiting important sites in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – Grades 1-8

1ST & 2ND GRADERS – Sundays, 9:00am – Rectory Mtg. Rm.

12/4 5th session

12/17 6th session - Saturday – Breakfast in Bethlehem

3rd & 4th GRADERS – Sundays, 11:00am – Rectory Mtg. Rm.

12/4 5th session

12/17 6th session

5TH, 6TH 7TH & 8TH GRADERS – Saturdays, 6:00pm – Ch. Hall

12/10 5th session

12/17 6th session

All sessions are held in the Rectory Meeting and Church/Church

Hall. Parents should strive to attend the Mass prior to/after your

child’s Religious Ed session. If you have more than one child who

attends our Religious Ed program, you may attend the Mass that best

fits your schedule. Mass attendance is an integral and necessary part

of your child’s faith formation – class without Mass just doesn’t

make sense!

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD – this program is

open to children in Grades 1-4 at the 10:00am Mass each week. The

children are dismissed to listen to the Sunday readings with

volunteer Catechists who read and reflect with the children. Please

consider having your child participate each week.

-----------Carol Bezak, Coordinator of ReligiousFormation

YOUTH MINISTRY CALENDAR Saturday, December 3rd - YM Class - beginning with 5pm Mass, light dinner then class - Phase I - Theme: "The Jesus Question" - Phase II - Theme: "The Church" Sunday, December 4th - Make up class - 6:30pm to 8:30pm - no

dinner

First Sunday of Advent His Word Today by Rev. William J. Reilly

“You know the time in which we are living. It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we

first accepted the faith… Let us cast off the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and

make no provision for the desires of the flesh.”

For twenty centuries, faithful Christians have listened to and read Saint Paul’s exhortation. No one can deny that his inspired word is not true. Because of the long time span though, we may have fallen asleep. We are encouraged to begin this new period of advent with an eager enthusiasm, seeking ways to discover the presence of the Christ of history, as well as the Christ who is and is coming. Advent summons us to look with a new set of eyes at what the coming of Christ means for us in 2016. He comes in the gift of friends. He comes in the gift of prayer. He comes from those in need who ask us to be light to overcome their darkness. As daylight grows short, may we be light for others to see that the coming of the Lord is even more important now than advent 2015. We pray the words of Revelation ‘Come Lord Jesus.’ ***********************************************************************************************************************

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Proclaim to family and friends your belief that Christmas is above all else about the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ – the Son of God. Send Religious Christmas Cards only. Winter scenes, Santa and his reindeer, Christmas trees and those that proclaim only – “Happy Holidays” do not speak of our faith in that. Including a photo of the children/grandchildren in the card? But should it be the card with no reference to the birth of Jesus? Evangelization – it’s about bringing others to greater awareness of the

Gospel. Keep Christ in Christmas – Jesus is the reason for the season. -----Fr. Charles

**************************************** The Don Bosco Columbiettes #7784, Newton, will hold a Bake Sale and Christmas Gift Shop with a special visit The Don Bosco Columbiettes #7784, Newton, will hold a Bake Sale and Christmas Gift Shop with a special visit The Don Bosco Columbiettes #7784, Newton, will hold a Bake Sale and Christmas Gift Shop with a special visit The Don Bosco Columbiettes #7784, Newton, will hold a Bake Sale and Christmas Gift Shop with a special visit

from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 11from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 11from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 11from Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, December 11thththth from 10:00am to 2:00pm in St. Joseph Community Center, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in St. Joseph Community Center, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in St. Joseph Community Center, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in St. Joseph Community Center,

Halstead St. Newton. Come and visit Santa, Take a photo (bring your own camera) receive a gift, and shop in our Halstead St. Newton. Come and visit Santa, Take a photo (bring your own camera) receive a gift, and shop in our Halstead St. Newton. Come and visit Santa, Take a photo (bring your own camera) receive a gift, and shop in our Halstead St. Newton. Come and visit Santa, Take a photo (bring your own camera) receive a gift, and shop in our

bakery and Christmas Gift Shop. The cobakery and Christmas Gift Shop. The cobakery and Christmas Gift Shop. The cobakery and Christmas Gift Shop. The cost is free. The monies collected from the sales will be used to help st is free. The monies collected from the sales will be used to help st is free. The monies collected from the sales will be used to help st is free. The monies collected from the sales will be used to help

subsidize “St. Joseph’s Youth Mission Trip with “CHWC” subsidize “St. Joseph’s Youth Mission Trip with “CHWC” subsidize “St. Joseph’s Youth Mission Trip with “CHWC” subsidize “St. Joseph’s Youth Mission Trip with “CHWC” –––– Catholic Heart Workcamp” Thank You Catholic Heart Workcamp” Thank You Catholic Heart Workcamp” Thank You Catholic Heart Workcamp” Thank You –––– Call Call Call Call

Anne Kappelmeier, Chairperson at 973Anne Kappelmeier, Chairperson at 973Anne Kappelmeier, Chairperson at 973Anne Kappelmeier, Chairperson at 973----383383383383----3921.3921.3921.3921. *********************************************************

CONSIDER A GIFT TO YOUR PARISH……So often when a loved one dies the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to organizations that were of special significance in the life of that person – like a VFW

organization or ? Sometimes it is in thanksgiving to organizations that assisted the person during their illness – American Cancer Society, The Red Cross, St. Jude’s Hospital, Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, etc. Why not consider your parish where you and your family grew in faith – where so many special moments, in times of joy and sorrow, were celebrated – Baptisms, Weddings, First Communions, Funerals - the place where your relationship to God was

especially meaningful. Generations to come may yet be grateful for your generous gift.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 The words of Isaiah urge all people to forsake war and to live in peace forever. The tone reaches a climax in the words, “One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14 Paul invites us to put away all the things of darkness and sin and to prepare for the coming of Christ. Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44 A comparison is made between the destruction caused by the flood in Noah’s time and the need to be prepared for the second coming of Christ. “You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect.”