Welcome to Parish Hopelawn, New Jersey 08861

MISSION STATEMENT We are called by as a community of faith to love God and love one another by our acts of worship, fellowship and stewardship.

January 3, 2021 • The of the Lord

Rev. Krystian Burdzy Administrator Sam Costantino Deacon Albert Coppola R.C.I.A. Maria C. Arcelay Parish Secretary/PCL/Cemetery Coordinator Wayne Behr Director of Liturgical Music

MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil 4:30PM

Sunday Masses: 8:30AM & 11:00AM

Adoration: Monday at 6:00pm only (Except Holidays when Mass starts at 9:00am)

Confessions: Saturday afternoon 3:30 - 4:15PM

Daily Mass Monday at 7:00PM (Holidays at 9am, or otherwise stated) Tuesday - Friday at 8:00AM

Holy Days as announced

THE PARISH CENTER Website: www.goodshepherdpanj.org Parish and Cemetery Offices E-mail: [email protected] 625 Florida Grove Rd., Hopelawn, New Jersey Phone: 732-826-4859 • Fax: 732-826-6078 BLESSED SACRAMENT (CHAPEL) Office Open Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM Located in the Parish Center Evenings by Appointment Only Open for Private Prayer during office hours Closed Weekends and Federal Holidays

Parish Information GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH

We welcome you to the FINANCIAL CORNER 12/13/2020 $5,759.00 Good Shepherd Parish Community! Religious Retirement $1,028.00 12/20/20 $6,707.00

Please register at the Parish Office as soon as you are able to do so, and the staff will be happy to inform you about our parish and Monthly Operating the opportunities we offer. Parish registration is required for reli- Income & Expense November 2020 gious education, celebration of all Sacraments and certification as a sponsor for Baptism and Confirmation. Regular Sunday worship with us indicates a practicing Catholic, not just parish registration. Collection Income $ 26,860.00 Attendance is necessary at weekend worship for the all sacra- Other Income $ 6,708.00 ments and certification of sponsorship. Please notify the parish Total Income $ 33,568.00 office of any changes in phone numbers, addresses, e-mail ad- Expenses $ 42,709.00 dresses or when leaving the parish. Month's Income/(Deficit) $ (9,141.00) We have hospitality Sunday, the first Sunday of the month. Year-to-Date (July ’20 - November 20) Please come and meet our Priest and fellow parishioners. Income/(Deficit) $ (28,778.00)

Baptism: All Baptisms are celebrated on the first Sunday of the Outstanding Diocesan Assessment month at 12noon. The preparation process should begin at least Debt as of November 30th $ 17,867.00 three months before the planned date of the Baptism. A Baptism Outstanding Diocesan Roof Loan Debt Preparation Class is required for parents (godparents may attend if as of November 30th $ 535,000.00 they wish). This class is offered on the fourth Sunday of each month at 9:45 AM. Please call the parish office to register. The date of the baptism is scheduled after attending the class. Parish Online Giving Church Donations membership and active worship is required for two months prior to preparation. We’ve made it more convenient to give. Please visit our website and click on the green ’Online Giving” button on the top of the page. Religious Education: Provides faith filled instructions for Levels Register and support your church. 1st through 8th. We have classes on two Saturdays a month from 8:45am to 11am. Special instructions are given for sacramental We continue to thank our parishioners who mail or deliver their weekly preparations. envelopes to the Parish Office when they’re unable to come to Mass. Even in these times of so many changes, suspensions and disruptions, our Initiation of Adults and Older Children: This is an extended bills to run our Parish still need to be paid. If you are financially able, formation process for unbaptized or uncatechized adults or bap- please continue to support our Church. You may mail your donations or tized Christians of other faith traditions who wish to become put them in the locked mailbox, or door slot in the front of the Parish Office. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. members of the Catholic Church, as well as for unbaptized or Stay well and God bless! uncatechized school-aged children. Please contact the parish of- fice for more information. Initiation is celebrated at the Easter Vigil after a formation period of one or two years.

Adult Confirmation: This is a program for persons over the age of 18 who have received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist, but who never completed their initiation with the Sacra- We’re back LIVE every Sunday 11am Mass only. ment of Confirmation. The program is a 10-12 week program, with Confirmation being celebrated on the Solemnity of Pente- cost. Please call the parish office for more details.

Matrimony: Couples wishing to marry in Good Shepherd Parish must be registered members of our parish. They are required to ORGANIZATIONS make initial arrangements at least one year in advance. Four ses- sions with the priest or deacon, as well as Pre- or Engaged NAME DAY TIME Encounter take place during this year. Active worship for at least Holy Name Society 2nd Thursday 7:00PM two months are required before a date may be scheduled. Ladies Guild 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM Anointing of the Sick: Anyone who is seriously ill or unable to come to church for a length of time should contact the parish of- Altar Society 2nd Sunday 9:30 AM fice to arrange for the Anointing of the Sick. Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion to homebound parishioners every Sun- Tuesday Seniors 2nd & 4th Tues. 12:30 PM day, and our priest will visit on the First Friday of each month. Wednesday Seniors 1st & 3rd Wed. 12:30 PM Please call the parish office to make arrangements. The Diocese of Metuchen provides Catholic priests to serve at all local hospi- If you are interested in any of our above organizations/ministries, tals. please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Holy Orders: If you are interested in learning more about the MINISTRIES priesthood or religious life, contact the Vocations Office of the NAME CONTACT PHONE Diocese of Metuchen at 732-562-1990, ext. 1700 or by email at [email protected] or visit www.diometuchen.org/ Chairperson-Finance Council Marty Joyce 732-826-4859 vocations. Music Ministry Parish Office 732-826-4859 2 Religious Education Maria C. Arcelay 732-826-4859

First Reading Alleluia IS 60:1-6 MT 2:2 Rise up in splendor, ! Your light has come, the glory R. Alleluia, alleluia. of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the LORD We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. shines, and over you appears his glory. Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. Raise your R. Alleluia, alleluia.

eyes and look about; they all gather and come to you: your sons come from afar, and your daughters in the arms of their nurses. Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart MT 2:1, 1-2 shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emp- When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of , tied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to in the days of King Herod, you. Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Mid- behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the LORD. We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, Responsorial Psalm and all Jerusalem with him. PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, R.(cf. 11) Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. He inquired of them where the was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your for thus it has been written through the prophet: justice, the king's son; He shall govern your people with justice And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, and your afflicted ones with judgment. are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people ." Justice shall flower in his days, and profound peace, till the Then Herod called the magi secretly moon be no more. May he rule from sea to sea, and from the and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. River to the ends of the earth. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts; kings of that I too may go and do him homage." Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay him After their audience with the king they set out. homage, all nations shall serve him. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflict- They were overjoyed at seeing the star, ed when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the and on entering the house lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. they saw the child with Mary his mother. R. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures Second Reading and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. COL 3:12-21 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of they departed for their country by another way. God's grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. It was not Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and co- partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3

Fr. Krystian

My Dear Friends,

This past Friday, January 1st, brought us to the New Year– 2021! On New Year’s Day the Church honored Mary under the special title of Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The title- Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God– is one of the most outstanding characteristics of Mary in her willingness to know and do God’s will. Today as we continue with the Christmas joy, we ponder with Mary the Mystery of God’s presence and thus inspired by her example, we, too, strive to recognize the Word being flesh that found His dwelling place among us.

May God bless you and your families- that transformed by the power of faith we may bring God's love and joy to one another and to this world that hungers so much for His presence. May Mary the Mother of God may her Son- the Prince of Peace continue to inter- cede for deep and lasting peace and true love in our hearts. May the Lord bless you every moment of this New Year 2021! This weekend Jan 2-3rd we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in .

The Epiphany takes its name from the Greek "epiphania," meaning manifestation. The first idea of the feast is the manifestation of Christ as the Son of God. "Begotten before the daystar and before all ages, the Lord our Savior is this day made manifest to the world." The feast unites three events in the life of Christ when His , as it were, shines through His humanity: the adoration of the Magi; the baptism of Christ in the Jordan; and the first at the wedding feast of Cana. Moreover, at Epiphany the Church looks forward to the majestic coming of Christ on the "youngest day" when His manifestation as God will be complete. The of the baptism and the marriage at Cana are read on the Octave Day and the Second Sunday after Epiphany, and later Sunday masses in the Epiphany season continue to show the divine power of our Lord in some of His most striking .

This year on December 8th, the whole Church will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis declared this liturgical year- from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021- to be dedicated to Saint Joseph through his apostolic letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”). In our world that struggles with fatherhood, man- hood and masculinity, the Universal Catholic Church dedicates the entire year to the fatherhood of Saint Joseph and how his father- hood was an icon of God, the Father’s heart for us, His children. During this Christmas season and the entire Year of St. Joseph, may our hearts be led to reflect upon the life of our families through the fatherhood of St. Joseph!

Saint Joseph – pray for us!

With prayers, For the month of January pray for those affected by Covid-19, and all hospital and nursing home personnel who Fr. Krystian are working so bravely and tirelessly , their families, our sick and homebound of our Parish family, especially:

Carlos Bendrell, Carmen Collura, Andrea Costantino, Noah Dahlberg, Carolyn Duane, Pat Dunn, Chuck F., Victor & Melissa Ferrer, Tommy Fitzpatrick, Joseph Frisbe, Mike Gaffney, Carol George, Johnny Gondek, Richard Hajzer, Nancy Hunt, Tommy Jones, Arleen Kopin, Judy Liik, Rose Langan, Louis Loso, Brianna Ortega, Megan Ortega, Carol Magyar, JoAnn Magyar, Fr. John Morley, Raymond Magyar, Ellen Malopolski, Maryanne Mateuszczyk, Connie & Vince Montuoro, Lynn Munoz, Mary Murray, Teresa P., Catherine Paone, Christopher Paone, Danny Parker, Dianne Petro-Duncan, Caroline Pry, Stephen Pry, Ann Rapetti, Greg Rohrbacher, Fred Rose, Paul Sheena, Jack Stacey, Tamya Stacy, Maryann Suhay, Telofski Family, Dave & Louise Utter, Elsie Vega, Barbara White & Bernard Yaros. . With respect to personal privacy only requests made by immediate family members will be taken. If you would like to add or continue to keep a name on our list: call the parish office at 732-826-4859 or email [email protected]. Please keep in mind that we pray for all the sick every day in the general 4 intercessions of the Mass.

Minister Schedule MASS INTENTIONS

LECTOR MONDAY, January 4 : Saturday, January 9th St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious 4:30PM Sian Brossard 7:00PM William Karvalis Sunday, January 10th Req Mr. & Mrs. Philip & Maryanne Ianno 8:30AM Gabriella Conrady TUESDAY, January 5 : 11:00AM Ben Salerno Sr, St. John Neumann, Bishop EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 8:00AM Happy Birthday Blessings Nancy Brown

Saturday, January 9th WEDNESDAY, January 6 : 4:30PM Deacon Sam Costantino Christmas weekday Sunday, January 10th 8:30AM D. Cherubini & L. Loso 8:00AM Rose & Frank Foley 11:00AM Deacon Mickey & Colleen Coppola Req Carolyn & Lily Duane THURSDAY, January 7 : Currently Altar servers are excused from service. Please check Christmas Weekday back here for updates or add yourself to our email list for updates. 8:00AM Thomas Boccippio Req Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rotella FRIDAY, January 8 : Christmas Weekday For the Week of January 2-8th 8:00AM Helen Egan SANCTUARY CANDLE Req Estate In Memory of SATURDAY, January 9 : Yolanda Facendo Req Betty “Torpy Murafsky The Vigil of the Baptism of the Lord 4:30PM Rose & Joe Mastroeni BREAD & Req Linda & Manny Cruz In Memory of Charles Lyons SUNDAY, January 10 : Req Nancy Brown The Baptism of the Lord 8:30AM Kimberly Kopp Req Deacon Mickey & Colleen Coppola 11:00AM Catherine & Louis Paone Memorial Tree Ornaments Req daughter Stella

We thank you for allowing us the opportunity to remember your loved ones by Memorializing them on our Our Good Shepherd Memorial Tree. We ask that you ROSARY PROGRAM

please take your loved one’s orna- In the period ending December 20, we said 109 ment home with you by this weekend totaling 7,690 . Keep going!!!

of January 2/3. We will be de- Now is the time to double our efforts with prayer. decorating our church on Monday, Our community needs it more than ever. Please pray, pray, pray the January 11th. Any remaining orna- Rosary. You may call or email your count. No names are necessary. ments will be cared for at the Parish Every Rosary recorded will be counted and published in the next week’s bulletin. Hopefully, our program will grow as everyone will Office. Thank you! be encouraged and reminded to pray the Rosary.

There's no better way to say “YES” to the Blessed Mother. For more information visit parishprojects.com De-Decorating of our Church PARISH OFFICE Monday, January 11th at 10:30am Currently, the Parish Office and Food Pantry are closed the We will be removing wreaths and trees. We would certainly public. Our Parish Center Chapel is now open by appointment appreciate anyone who can volunteer their time. only. If you would like to speak with someone, you may call 732-826-4859 between 9am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. Thank you in advance!! After that, you may leave a message on voicemail and we will return your call the next day. As always, if it is an emergency or you are in need of spiritual guidance please call 732-826- Volunteers are needed after each Mass to 2771. clean the pews, doors and all high traffic areas before the next Mass. Please note the brass railing around the altar should never be touched or cleaned with disinfect- Bringing Up Gifts at Mass ant. If you’re interested in helping, please call the Parish Of- If you requested a Mass intention, we hope you will under- fice 732-826-4859 or check with an Usher for more infor- stand for your health and safety bringing up the gifts has mation. 5 been temporarily suspended.

Religious Education

We are no longer accepting registrations for the 2020-2021 school year. If you would like information regarding next year’s registration, Feeding the Homeless please contact us at 732-826-4859. Monday, January 25th

We could use your help: with a monetary donation, or even a simple meal. Please call Mildred at (732)910-1277.

Yay….for Religious Education!! In need of a hot meal, or know someone...please join St. Episcopal church, 404 Division St. from 5pm to 6pm, every Monday. Prepared take-out (dinners only) to any- one that comes.

RCIA - Adult Religious Education Thank you in advance. Registration for 2020-21 is now closed For those already registered into our program,

our next class is scheduled for : Please let one of the ushers know if you are unable to walk up Tuesday, January 5th at 7:00PM at Communion time. A Eucharistic Minister will gladly bring Communion to you. Updates Due to the Coronavirus

Currently, our daily Masses are open to a limited number of Coronavirus Rules parishioners (50 or less). The state has steadily allowed the • number of parishioners in church to 100. Safety precautions STAY HOME IF YOU’RE NOT FEELING will be posted in advance and strictly enforced. (Please see WELL. our “Coronavirus Rules” when attending Mass.) • PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. • WASH YOUR HANDS. TOGETHER IN CHARITY COLLECTION • BRING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER. This weekend the annual “Together in Charity” collection will • FOLLOW ALL GREEN POSTED SIGNS be taken up at all Masses this weekend. The proceeds of this FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY. collection helps to fund Catholic Charities’ Parish Assistance • Our ushers will be taking the temperature of Program, which provides 24 hour / seven-day-a-week assis- each member entering our church. tance to parishes faced with individuals and families with seri- • ous and urgent financial, housing or medical needs. In 2020, Masks must ALWAYS BE WORN when en- over 48% of the parishes in the Diocese were able to benefit tering our church. from this program. Please give generously to this collection • Masks must remain on during all Mass ser- and contribute to making this a blessed new year for a family vices. or individual in crisis. • You may sit with your family. • ABSOLUTELY NO GATHERING! : Keeping Christmas Alive • The distribution of the Eucharist will resume at

The birth of Jesus Christ brings great joy and light, even amidst its traditional placement during Mass. the difficult times in which we are all living. This Christmas sea- • Instructions for the receiving line will be given son, we invite you to joyfully welcome Christ into your lives and before Mass. Please follow your Usher. celebrate His birth, not just on Christmas day, but throughout the • Christmas season. To celebrate the birth of our Savior, priests FOR HEALTH REASONS THE EUCHARIST from around the Diocese of Metuchen will share their personal CAN ONLY BE RECEIVED BY HAND. reflections on how we can celebrate the miracle of His birth and • We would like to respect everyone's dedication keep Christmas alive throughout the entirety of this joyous sea- to the Eucharist. If you insist on receiving it by son. tongue, you must wait and come at the very end of Father’s receiving line to be served. For more information or to sign-up to receive these reflections, • which will be delivered straight to your email inbox everyday When receiving the Eucharist, you may bring throughout the Christmas season, visit lightingheartsonfire.org. your mask down, consume, then replace it to its original place. Then you may return to your Please help support Catholic seat. Charities. We need gently used • To avoid congestion during dismissal, the con- Clothing, Bedding, Shoes, Small Household Items. gregation will be dismissed by row. Have a clothing donation too big to fit in the box? • Your offertory donation can be placed in the Just call our toll free number to arrange a free baskets provided when exiting. pick up at your home: 1-877-343-3651 Drop box is located in our Parish parking lot near the Thank you for your cooperaon Florida Grove Rd. entrance way. in keeping us all safe!!! (Proceeds benefit the Food Pantry) 6

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