FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

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Prop or from Ritual Masses: Election or

Enrollment of Names  Cr  Pf for First Sun of Lent  Sol Bl

24: Dt 26:4-10  Ps 91:1-2,10-15

Rom 10:8-13  Lk 4:1-13

Moses recounts great events of salvation history (1) which find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. We confess him to be Lord, for God raised him from the dead (2). He is ever faithful, resisting temptation to forsake his Father’s mission (3), trusting in God’s love (Ps).

Stewardship

Today’s first reading describes the offering of first fruits the people of Israel were to present to the Lord in thanksgiving for their deliverance from Egypt and the gift of the promised land. Is my offering at today’s Mass an appropriate response to the many blessings the Lord has given me?

PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR PARISHIONERS including: Tony Gangitano, David King, John & Peter Foxwell, Haley Weber, Frank Stashak, Josephine Sarnoski, Elizabeth Connelly, Kippy Hale, Loretta Girard & Mary Kelly.

Let us remember in our prayers Kevin Tarsan whom God has called home.

Collections

February 18^th   $3827.00

February 25^th, 2007

Counters Team #4

Bingo Team #2

DIOCESAN NEWS

www.diometuchen.org

The Catholic Spirit

The annual subscription drive for our weekly diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Spirit, takes place during February. Our diocesan newspaper is an award-winning publication and we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to subscribe. You should have received a subscription envelope in your weekly envelope packet. Simply drop it in the collection basket. Or you can subscribe to The Catholic Spirit by calling (732) 562-2424.

Open Your Heart & Your Home

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program is seeking warm, supportive individuals and families to serve as Resource families to children in need.  Many of these children are innocent victims of abuse and neglect. Children of all ages and backgrounds are in need of loving, nurturing homes.

CALL TODAY! 1-866-247-HOME (4663).

You Can Help!!

Catholic Charities Connections Program

Do you:

·         Have a minimum of two hours a week to offer to a child?

·         Like having fun?

·         Want to make a difference in a child’s life?

·         Enjoy being a positive role model?

Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers, both men and women to participate in one-on-one activities and become a Mentor to the Youth of Somerset County. Contact Rachel Ford at (908) 722-1881 or rford@ccdom.org for more info.

“Megatrends” in the Catholic Church

March 15^th, 7:30 pm (Free)  A Discussion with John Allen, Jr., CNN’s Vatican correspondent and The National Catholic Reporter’s “All Things Catholic” columnist and author of the bestselling books Conclave and Opus Dei will be held at the Bakhita Hall, St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, NJ. Please call (732) 562-1990 x1634 for tickets.

OUR LADY OF MERCY NEWS

Would You Like to Renew Your Vows??

On the third Sunday of each month, at the 10:00 AM Mass, an opportunity will be provided for any couple who will be celebrating their marriage anniversary during that month to renew their vows.

You may call the Rectory ahead of time or tell the celebrant of the Mass before it begins.

Special Combined Collection for March 3rd & 4th

Our Lady Of Mercy will be having a special free will collection that will support two causes:

·         Catholic Relief Services – CRS supports Catholic organizations that carry out international relief. Programs include relief and resettlement services to the victims of persecution, war and natural disasters as well as development projects to improve the living conditions of the poor.

·           Black & Indian Missions – Last year, support went to some of the neediest people across the United States. A total of 135 Dioceses received assistance from this collection.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY NEWS

Mark Your Calendars!!

The 2007 Holy Name Society Father – Son Communion Breakfast will be held on Sunday, March 25^th at the Somerset Holiday Inn on Davidson Ave. at 9 AM.

ALL Men and Young Men of the parish are invited and encouraged to attend.

Everyone going to the breakfast will meet for the 8 AM Mass at Our Lady Of Mercy Church and proceed to the Holiday Inn afterwards. The price this year is $18 for Adults and $12 for Children 10 years or younger.

Our speaker this year is Father John N. Fell of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Bernardsville. Fr. Fell is also a very exciting and inspirational writer for The Catholic Spirit, our Diocesan newspaper.

Tickets may be purchased after all masses on March 3^rd/4^th, 10^th/11^th and 17^th/18^th. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Blessed Be His Holy Name

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY NEWS

Successful Bake Sale!

We would like to thank all the Rosarians and parishioners who donated home made "goodies" for the Annual Valentine's Day Bake Sale. It was very successful. Thank you also to the Rosarians who helped to set up tables and worked behind the counters.  -From the Chairpersons.

March 18^th - Rosarian Bingo Night!!

The Rosary Altar Society will be having their annual Sunday Night Bingo on March 18th. Bingo will start at 7:00 pm in the Our Lady Of Mercy church hall. Please come and have some fun and good food. You may even win the JACKPOT!

Girl Scout Sunday on March 11^th

An Invitation to All Girl Scouts Past & Present

On Sunday March 11^th , Troop 245 would like to invite all Girl Scouts past and present to have a seat in the front pews at the 10 am Mass. Parishioners - if you could leave the first few pews open at that Mass for all the Girl Scouts to sit together, it would be appreciated.

Every now and then we get a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven, as the apostles did when they saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. We finally understand what scripture and the Church have been telling us about God’s desire, God’s way. This glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven can happen when we place our feet in the shoes of our brothers and sisters who struggle with hunger and poverty, and see life from their perspectives.

MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY

Watchung, NJ 07069-6587

(908) 753-2091 msmhope@verizon.net

Please, register for all events

O God, Our Hearts Are Restless Til They Rest In You

Mar 3, 1:00-5:00 p.m. ($20)  Lenten afternoon of reflection Lent invites us to discover new ways to live for God alone. Presentations, prayer & group sharing.

The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering

Wed– Mar 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15)  If it weren’t for the darkness, we would never see the stars. Lenten Evening exploring our understanding of trial and suffering

Six Day Retreat

March 9-16, Begins 7 p.m. on opening day concludes at 11 a.m.($350/week)  An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction. Atmosphere of prayerful quiet. Adaptable to the needs and desires of each individual.

Weekend Retreat

Mar 9-11, Begins 7 p.m. on opening day concludes at 2 p.m. ($100/weekend)  An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction. Atmosphere of prayerful quiet. Adaptable to the needs and desires of each individual.