ASH WEDNESDAY

February 28^th is Ash Wednesday.  In addition to the 8:00 AM Mass there will also be a Mass at 7:00 PM.  Ashes will be distributed during these Masses and during services held at 12:15 PM and 4:00 PM

RICE BOWLS- will be available next weekend,

February 24/25^th and will be collected on the weekend of April 8^th.

Prayer to Saint Joseph

O blessed Joseph, on whom God bestowed the name and dignity of foster-father of Jesus; and gave Mary ever Virgin to be your most pure spouse; head of the Holy Family on earth; finally chosen by the Vicar of Christ as Patron and Protector of the Universal Church established by the Lord Jesus Christ, with the greatest confidence I implore for that same Church militant on earth, your most powerful assistance. 

Keep, I beseech you, in the special care of that paternal love with which you burn forever, the Roman Pontiff, all bishops and priests united to the See of Peter.  Be the defender of all who labor for the salvation of souls among the sorrows and trials of this life.  Bring all people of their own free will to submit themselves to the Church, which, is everywhere the necessary means of salvation.

Accept, most holy Joseph, the offering of myself, whole and entire, which I make to you, freely and willingly.  I consecrate myself wholly to you, to be always my father, protector, and leader in the way of salvation.   Obtain for me exceeding great cleanliness of heart, and a burning love of the interior life.  Grant that, following your footsteps, I may direct all my actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the love of the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary.

Finally, pray that I may share in the peace and joy that was yours in your most holy death.   

                                        Amen

Our world needs to hear the words of today’s gospel-everyday.  We are called as God’s people to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, be compassionate to those in pain and to never judge our neighbor.  Be the vehicle through whom these words of healing and compassion are spoken.  Consider the priesthood or religious life.  Contact the Vocations Office at 732-549-9770 or e-mail us at Neumannhse@aol.com.  Or you can visit our website at www.diometuchen.org/vocations.

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR PARISHIONERS who are sick at home, in the hospital or in nursing homes especially for Florence Altiere, Sister Rose Marita Lake, Anna Zeth, Raffaella Shapiro, Doris Murmello, Mary Garretson, Theresa Jasinski, Sr. Mary Theresa Leddy, Mary Auerbach, Bev Torak, Yoshiaki Nakata, Adeline Imbriani, Theresa Buckley, and Christian Sumner.

PREGNANCY AID CENTER-

The Pregnancy Aid Center is sponsoring a trip to the Metropolitan Opera to hear the Magic Flute on Tues., March 6, 2001.  If interested, contact Kathy Thomas at 908-725-4139.

 Getting Married???? Engaged Couples

Are you interested in learning more about yourself, your future spouse and your unique relationship prior to attending Pre-Cana or engaged Encounter Why not attend one of the F.O.C.C.U.S. (Facilitating Open, Couple Communications and Study) sessions listed below.  Individualized couple feedback provides you with information on topic areas important to marriage.  A must for any couple wishing to know more about their strengths, issues, and areas for growth.

Sat. March 13, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Center, Old Bridge (10:00 - 11:30 AM)

Thurs. April 26, St. James School Library, Woodbridge (7:30 – 9:00 PM)

Fri. June 15, Mary, Mother of God Church, Hillsborough (7:00 – 8:30 PM)

HURRICANE FLOYD

New Jersey Sales Tax Refunds are available for any family who has receipts for flood-related purchases and are now being processed.  The deadline for application is March 16, 2001.  If you have receipts and wish to apply for a refund, Sister Elizabeth O’Hara at Catholic Charities will process your application.  She may be reached at 908-722-1881.

If any family still needs home repair or personal property replacement due to flood damage and does not have the money, please call Sister Elizabeth at the above number for possible assistance.

Anyone wishing to place an announcement in the Church Bulletin must have the information into the Rectory by the Sunday before.  On a holiday week, the information must be there 2 weeks in advance.