SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Pss II  Seasonal prop

Prop Gl Cr  Sun Pf I-VIII

78: Jer 17:5-8  Ps 1:1-4,6

1 Cor 15:12,16-20  Lk 6:17,20-26

Stewardship

The words of the psalmist echo the theme of all of today’s readings. “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” As good stewards, firmly grounded in that hope, may we bear fruit in due season — assisting the poor, feeding the hungry, and consoling the sorrowful whenever we have the chance.

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

Collections

February 4^th   $4639.80

Mission Co-op for Native Clergy    $1383.00

February 11^th, 2007

Counters Team #2

Bingo Team #3

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

Catholic School Tuition Assistance

Applications for financial aid through the Diocese of Metuchen Tuition Assistance Program for the 2007-2008 school year are now available at all diocesan elementary and secondary schools. Completed applications must be received by Private School Aid Service by no late than Friday, March 30, 2007.

2007 Lenten Instructions From Bishop Bootkoski

So that the Church of Metuchen may be spiritually one in a common observance of Lent, the following days of fast and abstinence are to be observed by all Catholics of the Diocese who enjoy the blessings of good health:

·         The days of fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

·         All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

·         From the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday until the celebration of the Easter Vigil on the evening of Holy Saturday, the Easter fast should be observed so that, with uplifted and welcoming hearts, we may be ready to celebrate the joys of the Resurrection.

The obligation to fast applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. To fast in the Catholic tradition means to limit oneself to one full meal during the day so as to experience hunger.

The obligation of abstinence affects all Catholics who have reached the age of 14. Abstinence in the Catholic tradition means to abstain from meat and all meat products.

The obligation of fast and abstinence, as a whole, is a serious obligation. While failure to observe any penitential day in itself may not be considered serious, the failure to observe any penitential days at all, or a substantial number of them without good cause, would be considered a grave matter. Those unable to abstain for a valid reason on any given Friday of Lent are asked to perform some other penitential act, or to abstain on another day.

May all our Lenten prayers, fasting and works of mercy help prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord with renewed minds and hearts.

MOUNT SAINT MARY ACADEMY

1651 U.S. Highway 22

Watchung, NJ 07069-6587

(908) 753-2091 msmhope@verizon.net

Please, register for all events

Forgiveness: A Choice for Wholeness

Feb 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15)  Three contemporary witnesses challenge us to reflect on our call to forgive.

Includes presentation, reflection, and sharing.

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

If it weren’t for the darkness, we would never see the stars.

Mar 7, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ($15)  Lenten evening exploring our understanding of trial and suffering.

OUR LADY OF MERCY NEWS

RENEW is Coming

Grow in faith by sharing with others. Sign up card for the 4^th session of RENEW will be in the pews on the weekend February 10^th & 11^th.

Divine Mercy Healing Mass at Our Lady of Mercy

Feb 18^th, 3 to 5:30 pm  The celebrant will be Father Tom Ganley. Music will be by Tim Kennedy. For more information, please call Father Tom at (732) 545-6549 or email at dmhealing@aol.com.

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.

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, 17^th/18^th, and 24^th. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Feb 10^th & 11^th  The Rosary Altar Society will have a Craft and Bake Sale after all Masses on February 10^th & 11^th in the Our Lady of Mercy Church Hall.

Indoor Garage Sale

Feb 24, 9am-2pm  At the Reformed Church of Bound Brook Fellowship Hall. 113 Clinton St., SBB. For more info: (732) 356-9345. Snowdate: March 3^rd.

Lenten Munching and Learning Series

On the first four Fridays of Lent, starting Feb 23^rd, St. Mary’s Byzantine Church, 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough, NJ will present a special series called, “Lenten Munching & Learning.” The program will begin with a short Lenten Service in the church followed by a simple Lenten meal in the Parish Center with guest speakers. Due to popular demand, the program is presented twice each Friday-once at Noon and again at 6:45 pm. There is no charge for these events. For more info contact Father Ed Cimbala (908) 725-0615

“In the face of the terrible challenge of poverty afflicting so much of the world’s population, indifference and self centered isolation stand in stark contrast to the gaze of Christ. Fasting and almsgiving, which, together with prayer, the Church proposes in a special way during the Lenten Season, are suitable means for us to become conformed to this gaze.” –Lenten Message of His Holiness, Benedict XVI.

Our Lady of Mercy Church has successfully been involved in Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) Operation Rice Bowl for many years and we hope to do so again this year.

On the First Sunday of Lent, we will be putting out the “Rice Boxes” for you to pick up at the end of each Mass so Our Lady of Mercy can participate in helping Catholic Relief Services help others through Operation Rice Bowl.