Monday February
4th
7:00 PM Jean DeStefano r/o Brian & Linda
Tuesday February
5th Agatha, Martyr
8:00 AM Intentions of the Parishioners
Wednesday February 6th Ash Wednesday
8:00 AM Mass-Intentions of the Parishioners
Ashes
distributed during Mass
7:00 PM Mass-Intentions of the Parishioners
Ashes
distributed during Mass
Thursday February
7th
Pongratz
Friday February
8th Jerome Emiliani, Priest
7:00 PM Stations of the Cross followed by Mass
Jean Sternador r/o Daughter
Saturday February 9th
Vigil: First Sunday of Lent
5:30 PM Joseph Puchalek r/o Family
Sunday February 10th
12
FOUTH SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
HOURS begin Pss IV Seasonal Prop
MASS Prop Gl Cr Sun Pf I-VIII
RDGS 70:Zep 2:3;
1 Cor
Blest are the humble of the earth (1), blest are the
poor in spirit (Ps,3)! Such are the ones God has chosen to confound the strong
of this world (2).
Stewardship
Blessed are they who
are what they are and do what they do for the sake of the kingdom! The Gospel today assures good stewards
that their suffering and their service on behalf of the kingdom will be
rewarded!
Radio Retreat –
Online!
Franciscan Radio and the U.S. Catholic
bishops encourage you to put aside today’s cares and worries, and take a “Radio
Retreat”—online.
Using either the Windows Media Player, Real
Player or any MP3 player, including Apple’s iPod, take this opportunity to
focus clearly on what God is saying to you this Lent. Each week a
different bishop leads you, through the Lenten Gospels. Each program is 30
minutes long.
Go to:
http://www.franciscanradio.org/Retreats/Lent/default.asp
for further details, downloading, and information about subscribing.
Collections
Foundation
for Catholic Education $1142.00
Counters
February 3rd, Team #1
February 10th, Team #2
February 17th, Team #3
February 24th, Team #4
PLEASE
PRAY FOR ALL OF OUR PARISHIONERS
Including: Josephine Sarnoski, Genevieve Casey,
Elizabeth Connelly, Josephine Martens and Peter Yazgier.
MOUNT
(908) 753-2091 msmhope@msmhope.org
Please register for
all events
EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF LENT
Sat - Feb 9, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m. ($20) Lenten Afternoon of Recollection will explore
the theme of Mindfulness which provides an opportunity for us to be one with
the Jesus of the Lenten gospels as we move through the weeks of Lent.
Includes presentation, prayer time, Mass.
JEREMIAH: A LENTEN PROPHET
Wed - Feb 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15) Meet the prophet, Jeremiah, and learn
how timely is his message for today, of
hope in darkness.
Yes, it’s that time of year…
**End of Year Financial
Report for Taxes**
Anyone
wishing to obtain a statement of contributions for the past year – 2007, should
drop a note in the collection basket or call the rectory during business hours.
We will need to have your name (and your
spouse’s name, if applicable), street address and phone number—a
parishioner number would be nice too if possible.
Divine
Mercy Mass - February 10th
Father
Thomas Ganley will be coming to Our Lady of Mercy for one of his inspiring
Divine Mercy Masses on Feb. 10th at
Announcements
Please have all pulpit
announcements into the parish secretary at least a week before they are due to
be announced. There’s always the exception to the rule, but Father Dan will
have to approve any exceptions.
Thank you.
DIOCESAN
NEWS
Catholic Charities Volunteers Needed
Please consider offering some
time as a volunteer. Catholic Charities,
Diocese of Metuchen is committed to provide quality care to those who come to
us in need of assistance. It is through
your kind consideration of this request and generous contribution of time that
can enable us to increase our ability to help.
Diana M. Schultz may be reached in our
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. Be a Valentine to a child in need. CALL
TODAY! 1-866-247-HOME (4663).You Can Help!!
World
Marriage Day - February 17th
World Marriage
Day honors husband and wife as the head of the family and the basic unit of
society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in
daily married life. Please visit wmd.wwme.org to find out how you and
your spouse can celebrate World Marriage Day.
You
can also visit www.foryourmarriage.org developed
through the USCCB Bishops’ Pastoral on Marriage. The website includes helpful and inspiring
information for all married and engaged couples.
Q: Why is the signing done with ashes?
A: Because
ashes are a biblical symbol of mourning and penance. In Bible times the custom
was to fast, wear sackcloth, sit in dust and ashes, and put dust and ashes on
one's head. While we no longer normally wear sackcloth or sit in dust and
ashes, the customs of fasting and putting ashes on one's forehead as a sign of
mourning and penance have survived to this day. These are two of the key
distinctives of Lent. In fact, Ash Wednesday is a day not only for putting
ashes on one's head, but also a day of fasting (see below).
Q: Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation, that is, a
day on which we are required to go to Mass?
A: No,
it is not a holy day of obligation. However, it is strongly advisable since it
is fitting to mark the beginning of penitential season of Lent by going to
Mass. The formal worship of God is a good way to get a good start to the
season. Also, even though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of
fast and abstinence.
OUR
LADY OF MERCY NEWS
Valentine’s Day Bake
February 9th
& 10th
The
Rosary Altar Society will be having their annual Valentine’s Day Bake
The
Confirmation Class Needs Your Help
Jesus said, 'You shall love the LORD your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is
the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the
Prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40)
On
The class is also preparing some gift baskets for
the families. If anyone in the parish would like to donate the following
items it would be appreciated: Puzzle or word search books, crossword puzzles,
decks of cards, crayons, coloring books, paperback books new or used, baby bottles,
baby wipes, pacifiers, sippy cups, juice boxes, stationary or note cards,
postage stamps, children size small, med or large sweatshirts or pants and
children size small, med. or large tee shirts (plain).
For the Ronald McDonald House they are asking for any
type of cleaning supplies -- dish detergent, dishwasher detergent packets, laundry
soap, furniture polish, all purpose cleaners, wipes... all donations are
welcome.
If you have any items you would like to donate please contact Agi Simoncelli at
(732) 501-3208 or donations can be dropped off in the Church Hall Saturday,
Feb. 9 between
As always, thank you for your support helping those
in need and thank you for helping us teach the 2008 confirmation kids “love
your neighbor”.