Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church “Our Lady’s Church on the Waterfront”

120 Sussex Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Celebrating our 100 Year Anniversary

Our Mission

The mission of our parish is to reach out to all people and encourage them to join us in joyfully giving praise and glory to God; to build a Christian community that, with trust in God, embraces the future, and in doing so, is a beacon of faith, hope and love on the Jersey City waterfront.

Our History Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, or OLC, was founded in 1911 to serve Polish immigrants to Jersey City. Today, OLC is growing and changing as it seeks to serve all those who now live in our neighborhood. The church takes its name from a city in Poland that houses a cherished icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A copy of that icon is centrally located in our historic church.

Rev. Thomas J. Ciba Pastor

Mr. Heath Winborn Director of Operations

Mrs. Anna Mae Stefanelli School Principal

Mr. James Harrold Director of Music

Sr. Sandra DeMasi, SSJ Pastoral Associate

Sr. Donna Ciangio, OP Pastoral Associate

Ms. Kathleen Church Licensed Clinical

Social Worker Rev. Thomas A. Dente

Priest in Residence

Parish Office 201-434-0798

Fax 201-985-0918

Email olc@olcjc.org

Websites www.olcjc.org

www.olcschool.org

Counseling Center 201-434-3567

The OLC School 201-434-2405

Little Harbor Academy

201-434-6708

Mass Schedule Monday - Friday: 12:30 pm (Church open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm) Saturday: 5 pm, Sunday Vigil Mass Sunday 10 am, 12:30 pm and 7 pm

Note St. Anthony of Padua, 330 Sixth Street, Jersey City, the Center for Polish Ministry in Jersey City, holds a Polish Language Mass at OLC, Sundays at 8 am.

Child Care during Mass We provide professionally staffed child care for children 12 months to 4 years of age during the 10 am Sunday Mass. Our Child Care Center is located in the church hall. Enter through the gate located to the left of the steps leading into the church.

Confessions/Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday 4 pm to 4:30 pm in the church & at other times by appointment with the pastor.

Weddings Those interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage should contact the parish office one year in advance of their proposed date of marriage.

Infant Baptisms Preparation for Baptism should ideally begin before the birth of the child. Expectant parents should visit the parish website for more information.

The OLC School Quality Education on the Waterfront Accredited by The Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. 248 Luis Marin Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07302 Grades 1 - 8

The Little Harbor Academy The Early Childhood Division of The OLC School 186 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten Program for 3 & 4 year olds Montessori Toddler Program for 2 year olds

The OLC Counseling Center Well Being on the Waterfront 120 Sussex Street, Jersey City NJ 07302 Individual, Marriage, and Family Counseling

To Register and Be Part of OLC We welcome you to register and to be part of our parish family. Please contact the parish office to arrange for an informal appointment with the pastor.

Saints Peter and Paul Church, Hoboken & OLC Church, Jersey City We work together to proclaim and live the Gospel on the Hudson River Waterfront by sharing our time, energy, and resources and in doing so, we more powerfully witness the presence of Christ.

Second Sunday of Lent • February 28, 2010

Dear Parishioner, In narrating the story of the Transfiguration, St. Luke illustrates Jesus’ intent that the disciples recognize the

sustaining and empowering power of one’s vision. Just previously, Jesus had instructed his apostles about the extent to which they must be willing to go in order to follow him: “If anyone wishes to follow me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

Jesus makes this statement as he himself is about to face the most terrifying period of his life. He will face his arrest, torture, the path to Calvary and his subsequent execution. While these events leading to his crucifixion bore their own pain, Jesus also endured the pain of betrayal, emotional abuse, abandonment, etc. One would think under such circumstances, Jesus would also feel abandoned by the Father with whom he communicated such an intimate oneness. Quite the contrary is true.

Our Lenten journey draws our focus to self-sacrifice. We are reminded that sacrifice is a means by which we can control our desire to turn our minds and hearts to God. It is also a way of controlling those things in life which so often control us. Self-sacrifice also draws us into the deeper reality of the Paschal Mystery whereby we die to self and are reborn in Christ. St. Paul will remind us, “That if we die with Christ, so shall we rise with reign with Him.

As we look to the experience of the Transfiguration, we can see this as an element of our Lenten Journey. While we are called to take up our Cross and to sacrifice, through self-sacrifice the Lord provides us with spiritual experiences that transfigure us and can give us a glimpse of the glory of God shining in our own lives.

With love,

THIS WEEK IN RCIA Catechumens & Candidates: What is the difference? A catechumen is one who is not baptized and is preparing for full initiation through the sacraments of Baptism,

Confirmation and Eucharist.

A candidate is one who is already baptized in another Christian faith and who is now preparing to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church. At the time of full reception, he or she will make a profession of faith, be confirmed, and receive

Eucharist.

A candidate may be a baptized adult Catholic who is being prepared to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation (and Eucharist).

Here at OLC we have one catechumen, Ariele, who will be fully initiated at this Easter Vigil and one candidate, Marvin, will receive Confirmation. Two special

events were held for catechumens and candidates at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart this past weekend:

Rite of Election

Our catechumen, Ariele Beth Bianca, was formally called to Election by Archbishop Meyers. She signed her name into the Book of the Elect as a sign that God has

called her as a disciple of Christ.

Rite of Continuing Conversion Our candidate, Marvin Adames, was accepted by Archbishop Meyers to continue

his sacramental journey and life as a disciple of Christ.

Sr. Donna, Ariele Beth Bianca Sponsor Jeffrey Sullivan & John Booth

Janet Bosi Adames, Alberto, Marvin Adames & Sr. Donna

COME AND SEE - RCIA Our RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) meets every Sunday, 10:30 a.m. in the rectory. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic and learning more about the faith or if you are already baptized but have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, this is the group for you. Each week we learn about Jesus and the Christian faith through the Scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and sharing our life experience. It is a wonderful experience! Please contact Sr. Donna at comeandsee@olcjc.org

PREPARATION FOR THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST COMMUNION/FIRST EUCHARIST

Preparat ion sess ions for the sacrament of First Communion/ First Eucharist will take place on Sun-days at 11:00 AM in the classroom in

the lower level of the OLC Parish Office, (120 Sussex Street) on the following dates:

May 1, 2010 – Saturday Morning First Eucharist Retreat for Parents & Child

May 2, 2010 - Sacrament of First Eucharist is scheduled for the 12:30 PM Mass

Peter, James and John wanted to build a “booth” for Jesus and just stay on the mountain where His trans-figuration took place. But the Son of God, the Chosen One, knew that He must instead keep moving toward Hi Crucifixion. We, too, must rise from worship and do what we can to hasten the coming of the Kingdom.

February 28, 2010 March 7, 2010 March 14, 2010 March 21, 2010

March 28, 2010 - no classes because of Palm Sunday April 11, 2010 April 18, 2010 April 25, 2010

On March 4, 7:30 pm, join the Historic Paulus Hook Associa-tion's special meeting taking place at our church hall - 120 Sussex, for an informative meet-

ing on the real estate market. A local realtor and parishioner, Roseanna Petruzzelli will be moderating a panel discussion on the real estate process. The panel: Cassandra Hall-Wiggins of Liberty Federal Savings will discuss how a credit union can help you save or consolidate your debt, Ceceila Tehume of Cornerstone Capital will explain how to interpret the banking regulations and qualify for a loan, Joe Turula of Garcia & Turula will talk about legal issues and Roseanna Petruzzelli of Liberty Realty will discuss changes in the prices of homes, specifically in the downtown area of Jersey City. Be sure to bring your list of questions for our panel. Roseanna Petruzzelli Liberty Realty LLC., 43 Montgomery Street Jersey City, NJ 07302 201-332-3999 x 121

Archbishop’s Annual Appeal We are in the midst of the 2010 Archbishop’s

Annual Appeal (AAA). As we’ve mentioned previously, the theme of the AAA is, “Fulfilling the Corporal Works of Mercy.” It comes from St. Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus teaches us the Corporal Works of Mercy. Feed the Hungry; give drink to the thirsty; clothe the naked; shelter the homeless; visit the sick; visit the imprisoned; and, bury the dead.

There are many times in our lives when we cannot directly fulfill all of the Corporal Works of Mercy; however, we can still perform these many works through our contributions to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

Please, fulfill Jesus’ request to perform these works of mercy by contributing to the Archbishop’s Appeal. Pledge enve-lopes and literature regarding the Appeal is found both in the pews and also in the rear of the church. Please, take some time to prayerfully make a generous pledge that will go a long way funding programs that will help many in need throughout the Archdiocese. A pledge allows you to make equal monthly contributions over the course of the year. By pledging , your contribution could be as little as dollars a day. Bring your pledge to church or mail it to the rectory. Every contribution is important regardless of the amount. Always re-member that if you have been blessed, it is important to give back accordingly as a sign of your gratitude to God.

Thank you and may God bless you!

Parents and children should attend the 10:00 AM Mass. The parish is grateful to Deirdre Riely for acting as catechist for First Eucharist

Are you married? Are there places in your marriage where you would like to grow, strengthen and learn new skills?

Please join us for: "Cherishing the Marriage Relationship"

A Marriage Workshop with Jack Kakolewski, ED.S.* Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:30-4:00 PM

Waterfront Hall (lower Church) Saints Peter and Paul Church 404 Hudson St, Hoboken, NJ

Registration fee of $50 a couple includes workshop as well as a light breakfast and lunch

RSVP by March 8 to Sr. Patricia Wormann, OP 201-659-2276 patwop@aol.com

Jack is a certified Marriage and Family counselor Sponsored by Saints Peter and Paul Parish –Hoboken

All are welcome!

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READINGS Reflect on today’s readings. Prepare for next Sunday.

This Sunday, February 28 Second Sunday of Lent

Gn 15:5-12, 17-18 Phil 3:17—4:1 Lk 9:28b-36 (27)

Next Sunday, March 7 Third Sunday of Lent

Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Lk 13:1-9 (30)

Thank you so very much for your financial support. So many of our parishioners believe that it is important to financially support their parish. Thank you for living your financial commitment.

Your support helps us to achieve our weekly collection goal $6,000 per Sunday. Last weekend, February 20/21 there were a total of 500 people who attended Mass. The total collection came to $6,537 (of that amount $2,150 came from parish members making their contributions electronically through Parish Pay). This amount is $690 ABOVE our weekly goal of $6,000 per Sunday!

We appreciate all those who act as good stewards of their time & treasure by joining us for Mass in their faithful giving for the collections.

March Events Coming up at OLC March 1 - Finance Council Meeting - Parish Office - 7:30 pm

March 4 - Paulus Hook Assoc. Mtg - Parish Hall - 7:30 pm March 8 - Buildings & Grounds Meeting - 7:30 pm

March 14 - *Daylight Savings Time Ends*

RCIA meets each Sunday at 10:30 am in the rectory

New to the OLC

Neighborhood! This week we have a couple who just joined OLC as new parishioners. Patricia Spota and Joe Dwyer have lived in the Paulus Hook area for more than a year and have attended OLC through this time. This past December Joe pro-posed to Patty and they are excited to

announce that Fr. Tom will celebrate their marriage ceremony this No-vember right here at OLC. They are grateful for being part of the Parish community. “There is a strong sense of community here and we think it is a wonderful place to start our life together. Everyone has been very wel-coming - encouraging us to join the many programs OLC offers its atten-dants. We think becoming parishioners will strengthen us individually and as a couple,” said Patty. Be sure to welcome this happy couple next time you see them at Mass or in the neighborhood and watch the bulletin for more new members!

Have That CAN-DO Attitude!

Once again it is time for our monthly food drive to benefit Our Lady of Sorrows Soup Kitchen in Jersey City.

We are asking parishioners to please bring shelf stable foods to all Masses the weekend of March 6th and 7th. This includes all canned and non-perishable food items. If you want to donate cash, please make out a check to Our Lady of Sorrows with the memo “Emergency Food Pantry” Thank you for helping out with this important endeavor!

Saturday, February 27, 2010 5:00 pm Thomas Eckert

from Carolyn Morris Hunt Sunday, February 28, 2010 10:00 am Family Community of St. Peter’s Prep 12:30 pm Isabel de Belalcazar

from Rey Belalcazar & Family 7:00 pm People of the Parish

Monday, March 1, 2010 12:30 pm Joseph Raiola

from Theresa Saaca Tuesday, March 2, 2010 12:30 pm Helen Hyjik

from Stanley Zientek & Family Wednesday, March 3, 2010 12:30 pm Ronald H. Legowski

from Sophie Bilyk Thursday, March 4, 2010 12:30 pm Mary Zubrowski

from Thomas & Carol Bybel Friday, March 5, 2010 12:30 pm Joe Nunes

from Glen Mathias Saturday, March 6, 2010 5:00 pm Joseph Stapinski - 4th Ann.

from Sister, Terri & Brother-in-law, Ted Sunday, March 7, 2010 10:00 am Edward & Wanda Bromirski - 11th Ann. from Family 12:30 pm Joseph Ciba

from Family 7:00 pm People of the Parish

Mass Intentions If you wish to have a Mass celebrated for someone or for a particular intention please call (201.434.0798), stop by the rectory or send an e-mail to: secretary@olcjc.org. We maintain a living bond with our loved ones as we remember them in our prayers

During Lent make a special effort to attend daily Mass. Take time during your lunch time or attend mass in the morning before work. It will take extra effort to do so, but the rewards will be invaluable and eternal.

The Sanctuary Candle is burning this week in loving memory of Stella Samson - from Philip Julewicz The Bread & Wine is offered this week in loving memory of Mary Wysowata - from Philip Julewicz