The Parish Family of St. Anthony of Padua

THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST JUNE 3, 2018 ALL ARE WELCOME! Whatever your present status in the , whatever your current family or marital situation, whatever your past or present religious affiliation, whatever your personal history, age, background, race or color, you are invited, welcomed, accepted, loved and respected at the Parish Family of St. Anthony of Padua.

There are no Strangers at St. Anthony’s - Only Friends We Haven’t Met

St. Anthony of Padua Worship Site Today’s prayer reflects the Most Holy Body and Blood of 436 Port Reading Ave., Port Reading, NJ Christ Sunday [Corpus Christi] 732-634-1403 Fax: 732-602-0119 The Holy Eucharist Saturday, Evening: 4:00 PM Prayer for Sunday, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM Daily: Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:30 AM Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Thursday: 7:00 PM Sunday Tuesday— Novena to Our Lady of the following O Lord Christ, 7:30 AM Mass You who have given us Your precious Thursday—Novena to St. Anthony Body and Blood to be our following the 7:00PM Mass food and drink, Liturgy of the Hours - Prayed 20 minutes grant that through frequent before Daily Mass reception of You in the Holy Eucharist, SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION I may be strengthened in Thursday Evening: 6:30 PM mind, body and spirit to Saturday: 3:15 PM do Your holy will.

Amen

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Worship Site 280 Amboy Ave. (Rt.35), Woodbridge, NJ The Holy Eucharist Saturday, Evening: 5:30 PM Sunday, 9:30 AM prayed in Hungarian before Mass. Parish Office Hours Divine Mercy Chaplet prayed after Mass. Daily: Monday, Friday & Monday 8:30AM—3:30PM Saturday: 8:00 AM Tuesday 10:00AM—3:30PM Wednesday 8:30AM—3:30PM First Friday of the Month Thursday 8:30AM—5:30PM; 6:30PM—9:00PM Devotions to the Sacred Heart Office is CLOSED on Fridays Following the 8:00 AM Mass Closed for lunch each day at 12:45PM—1:30PM First Saturday of the Month Devotions to Mary following Mass www.saintanthonypadua.org Liturgy of the Hours - Prayed 20 minutes We’re on FACEBOOK, come and check us out! before Daily Mass Office: [email protected] Religious Education: [email protected] SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Bulletin [email protected] Saturday: 4:45 PM Study Hall [email protected] or [email protected] Youth Ministry [email protected] Mass Intentions at St. Anthony of Padua Worship Site at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Worship Site

Tuesday, June 5th St. Boniface Monday, June 4th 7:30AM Lou Masters 8:00AM Bridget McCarthy req. by Irene Sohayda req. by her son Wednesday, June 6th St. Norbert Friday, June 8th The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 7:30AM Purgatorial Mass Society 8:00AM Diane Hauselt Thursday, June 7st req. by Rosemarie Arway 7:00PM William S. Adams Saturday, June 9th Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary req. by his wife, Catherine & children 8:00AM Eileen & George Miller, Sr. nd req. by George Miller Jr. Saturday, June 9 Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary 4:00PM Maureen Ballasalmo 5:30PM Carmen Pagliuca req. by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McNamara req. by Deacon Joey & Beth Perlas Sunday, June 10th 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, June 10th 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:00AM Henry & Theresa Pawlikowski 9:30AM People of the Parish Family req. by their daughter, Debra & family Responsorial Psalm in Hungarian for 9:30AM Joseph Baumlin June 3, 2018 The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ req. by Holly & John Pagliuca (Corpus Christi) 11:30AM Leo Trotto Veszem az üdvösség kelyhét, req. by his daughter, Nora & Frank Rombardo és az Úr nevét hívom segítségül.

Prayer Time with Father Smith for the people of the parish and the needs of the parish Friday, June 8th 8:30AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Worship Site Wednesday, June 13th 9:00AM at St. Anthony of Padua Worship Site Monday, June 18th 8:30AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Worship Site

This Week’s Scripture Readings The Parish Family of St. Anthony of Padua Mission Statement Sunday: Exodus 24:3-8 Psalms 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18 [ The Parish Family of St. Anthony of Padua Hebrews 9:11-15 Is a diverse Community of Faith Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 Monday: 2 Peter 1:2-7 Formed in July 2012 by the merging of Psalms 91:1-2, 14-15b, 15c-16 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Woodbridge (est. 1920) Mark12:1-12 with St. Anthony of Padua Church, Port Reading (est. 1904). Tuesday: 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18 We proclaim the “Good News” of Jesus Christ Psalms 90:2, 3-4, 10, 14 and 16 and the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. Mark 12:13-17 Wednesday: 2 Timothy 1:1-3. 6-12 We are committed to maintaining worship as a Psalms 123:1b-2ab, 2cdef Powerful experience of the presence of God through Mark 12:18-27 Word, Sacrament, Music and Community. Thursday: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 We have a passion for Social Justice Psalms 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14 and our duties toward all people. Mark12:28-34 Friday: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9 We enrich the Faith of those in need through a Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 [3] Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19/Jn 19:31-37 variety of ministries. Saturday: 2 Timothy 4:1-8 All are Welcome. Psalms 71:8-9, 14-15ab, 16-17, 22 Luke 2:41-51 We strive to be a beacon of Faith, Hope and Love Next Sunday: Genesis3:9-15 while honoring God’s Presence in every person. Psalms 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 Mark 3:20-35 If you have requested a Mass to be celebrated you have the right to present the bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ during that particular celebration of Mass. If you would like to fulfill this responsibility, please inform one of the Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) before Mass. If you don’t inform the Ministers of Hospitality, they will ask another person to fulfill that responsibility. Thank you for helping the Ministers of Hospitality in this matter. To date, the Development Office has received pledges FAITH FORMA ION totaling $27,552.00 and payments totaling $22,903.00 from 216 parishioners. This represents 114.8% of our Sacramental Formation Program $24,000.00 goal. Thank you for your efforts!! G.I.F.T. 2018—2019 REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN! 2,000 Hail Marys Registrations forms were distributed to the families currently enrolled in our G.I.F.T. Program at the last Please join us in praying 2,000 Hail Marys at Our sessions. As always class size is limited, and registration is Lady of Mt. Carmel Church EVERY FIRST on “First Submitted / First Honored basis so get them in SATURDAY OF THE MONTH. Our next prayer session nd early. Additional forms for new families are on the desk at will be on Saturday, June 2 . Prayers will begin at the entrance of both worship sites and the parish office. 9:00AM after the 8:00AM Mass. Come, stay for a half-hour, a hour or more and you will be blessed. You may also send us your personal intentions or petitions or drop them in a St. Anthony of Padua box at the front of the altar and we will pray for them. Feast Day Raffle Wednesday, June13, 2018 - 8:00PM

FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA $25 PER TICKET 17 CHANCES TO WIN Wednesday, June 13th ONLY 2,000 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!

469 Tickets sold to date! PILGRIM STATUE

th $10,000 (40%)* In Honor of our Patron Saint’s Feast Day, June 13 why not consider hosting the pilgrim statue of St. Anthony of $ 5,000 (20%)* Padua in your home this summer? $ 1,000 (4% each=20%)* $ 500 (2% each=20%)*

The Pilgrim Statue can be honored to promote devotion to our % applied winners portion of the 50/50 if all tickets are not sold. Patron Saint. When hosting the Statue you may wish to invite relatives, neighbors or just have it for yourself for private devotion.

If you would like to honor this pilgrim statue in your home, please fill out the form available at then entrance of both If you haven’t received your tickets or need more, worship sites and return to the parish office. Please call the parish office.

FLOWERS FOR ST. ANTHONY LIC#: RL-2018-34 FED. ID 22-3075617 In honor of Patron Saint Anthony of Padua flowers may *If not completely subscribed, the exact prize offered shall be be placed by the statue in the Church each weekend in the percentage noted, per state regulations or the offering memory of a loved one or for your special intention. The may be cancelled by the committee and all contributions donation for the flowers is $40.00. If you would like to returned. Flyers with complete details & Ticket Applications order flowers, please call the parish office. are available on the desk in the outer narthex and the parish office.

All Are Welcome to celebrate Fathers’ Day June 17, 2018 The Feast of our Patron Saint Fathers’ Day Spiritual Novena Cards are on the desk at the entrance to St. Anthony of Padua and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

St. Anthony of Padua FOOD DRIVE MINISTRY Wednesday, June 13, 2018 - 7:00pm Mass

Traditional Blessing & Distribution of St. Anthony Bread Our monthly food drive will be held the weekend of June 9th & 10th. Please be as generous as your means Following Mass enjoy Fellowship & Dessert will allow. Your donation of food in Fr. Milos Hall & items is greatly appreciated and will enable us to provide The Drawing of St. Anthony Feast Day Raffle for those in need. Just a reminder... Please do not send in (Tickets still available) any perishable items.

If you can share a dessert or are available to help set-up The ministry members working are asked to be in the Father Wednesday afternoon, June 13th or help that evening, Milos Hall at 10:00 am on Sunday morning. please call the parish office. Desserts may be dropped off The members working this month are: in Father Milos Hall any time Tuesday or Wednesday. J. Ward Thank You! Delivery: H. Sullivan (Tuesday, June 12th) VOTIVE CANDLES REST IN PEACE Votive candles burn constantly as a form of prayer and Please remember in your prayers the souls of: adoration. The candles burning this weekend are dedicated Entered Eternal Life at St. Anthony of Padua Worship Site Elizabeth “Betty” LoBianco—April 20, 2018 TABERNACLE Augustine “Augie” Bove, Jr.—May 1, 2018 In Loving Memory of Patsy & MaryJane Barbato George A. Dwyer—May 3, 2018 reg. by his sister, Patricia & Marty Martino Hector Arroyo—May 7, 2018 Elizabeth “Betty” Silvaney—May 19, 2018 In Loving Memory of Aniello Travaglione Dale Laxson—May 20, 2018 celebrating his birthday with our Lord req. by Margie Barbato ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARIES: In Loving Memory of our dear parents, Maria & Carmen During the month of June, please remember req. by Albina & Victor D’Alessio those parishioners who died a year ago:

GOOD SHEPHERD Anniversary of Death Patrick Mahoney—June 1st In Loving Memory of Gordon & Ann Ur, John Patrick & Owen th req. by their family Phyllis Ruttler—June 11 Roberta Scheenloop—June 12th In Loving Memory of Joan Thomas David Gallo—June 20th req. by Josephine LaSpina Charles Poyssick—June 30th

CROSS OF SAN DOMINANO MISSION MASS In Loving Memory of Francesco DiStefano The souls of: Requested by…. req. by Claire & Larry Miloscia Robert Rooney Anthony & Cheryl D’Orsi Augustine Bove Frank & Amy Paultz & family Let us join with Francis I in his Universal Christopher Killmurray his loving parents, Frank & Lynn Intention for June, 2018....Social Networks.: A Mass will be offered in private.

That social networks may work towards that PURGATORIAL MASS SOCIETY inclusiveness which respects others for their differences. The souls of: Requested by…. Michele Centino St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family Christopher Killmurray St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family PRAY FOR OUR PRIESTS Bryan Tereman St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family June 4 Rev. Dawid Wejnerowski Rose Gallo St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family Rev. Joseph Krajewski Elizabeth “Betty” LoBianco Lorie Nyers & family Betty LoBianco St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family June 5 Rev. Louis Stingel Augustine “Augie” Bove, Jr. St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family Rev. Edward Struzik George A. Dwyer St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family

June 6 Rev. Antony Arockiadoss Darin Petro Frank & Grace DiSpoto & family Hector Arroyo St. Anthony of Padua Parish Family Rev. Nicolas Norena Jack Trotte Bill Drahos June 7 Rev. Ignatius Okoroji, SVD Elizabeth “Betty” Silvaney her sister, Ronnie Kocsi Rev. Virgilio Tolentino They have been enrolled into the St. Anthony’s Perpetual Mass June 8 All Priests Society. They will be remembered in a special Mass during the first week of the month alternating between our two worship sites. June 9 Rev. John Siceloff (Odd months on the First Saturday at 8:00AM at Our Lady of Mt. Rev. George Farrell Carmel; even months on the First Wednesday at 7:30AM at St.

June 10 Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Anthony of Padua )and remembered daily at the Altar in the Bishop of Metuchen Diocese Eucharistic Prayer.

Pray for our brave soldiers & their families, our parishioners residing in nursing homes and care centers, the sick and homebound of our parish family, especially: an anonymous request; Matthew Ackerman, Celia Arroyo, Noemi Arroyo, Pvt. Michael John Barbato III, Edward Barcellona, Lydia Bellino, Meghan Anne Bray, William Bunavage, Marie Cacace, James Calimano, Anthony Carreira, Alexis Cavaciuti, Alice Cavaciuti, Elizabeth Clark, Rosa Claudino, Sebastian Colletti, Mario Coppola, Anthony D’Ambrosio, Michael DeFilippo, Robert Del Campo, Josephine Dellaguzzo, Ed Doherty, Linda Drakoulis, Richard Emory, Veronica Evans, Mikaela Febres, The Fenyar Family, Eileen Finnegan, Donna Furago, Frank Grossman, Anna Hanley, Kim Hickman, Brody Kasnowski, Anna Kowalewski, Robert Kowalewski, Evelyn Lamberti, Rose Lagan, Nicole Lamotta, Cynthia Larsen, Josie LaSpina, Kitty Lessuk, Paul Marini, Jean Martino, Richard Martino, Beverly Mayte, Dorothy McDermott, Thomas McNamara, Joseph Mikos, Tom Miller, Evaristo Morales, Natalie “Dolly” Nardiello, Ethel Osag, Michael Pagan, Midge Pannone, Jordy Pavey, Robert Pavey, Taylor Pavey, Joan Petro, Richard Petrowski, Laura Poland, Peter Reuben, Virginia Reuben, John Sabin, Michele Santamaria, George Seibert, Jackson Silva, Natalia Sosnin, Joseph Strunak, Stanley Szymanik Sr., Francis Tierney, Mary Toth, Chung-Tung Wang.

The Week Stewardship: God’s Plan for Giving at St. Anthony of Padua Worship Site Ahead Contributions for Sunday, May 27, 2018 $ 4,120.00 Monday, June 4th Debt Reduction / Diocesan Assessment $ 1,592.00 Study Hall 6:30AM Fr. Milos Hall BINGO 12:00Noon Fr. Milos Hall (doors open at 10:30AM) th Second collections coming up…. Tuesday, June 5 June Property & Liability Insurance Study Hall 6:30AM Fr. Milos Hall June 10th Father’s Day Novena Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30PM Church June 24th Building & Maintenance Fund AA 7:30PM Fr. Milos Hall Wednesday, June 6th “Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to Study Hall 6:30AM Fr. Milos Hall them and they all drank from it.” – Mark 14:23 Port Reading/Sewaren Srs. 11:00AM Sycamore Center Thursday, June 7th Jesus, the perfect steward, gave thanks, just Study Hall 6:30AM Fr. Milos Hall before He gave Himself to us completely for our Eucharistic Adoration 2:00PM Chapel salvation. He offers us the chance to drink from Chaplet / Rosary 3:00PM Chapel His cup. In the Eucharist, we meet Christ personally and, if Confessions 6:30PM Church we listen to Him, we know what drinking from His cup AA 8:00PM Fr. Milos Hall means our own sacrifice – giving up some of our time, Friday, June 8th talent and treasure to do His work on earth. Study Hall 6:30AM Fr. Milos Hall Bingo 7:30PM Fr. Milos Hall COUNTING TEAMS (doors open at 6:00PM) rd Saturday, June 9th SUNDAY, June 3 Study Hall Staff Training 9:00AM Fr. Milos Hall Team #3 N. Ackerman, C. Ellis, R. Kierstead Confessions 3:15PM Church MONDAY, June 11th Sunday, June 10th Team #4 L. Casey, A. Cunningham, A. Fowler, P. Russo Baptisms 12:30PM Church MONDAY, June 4th 12:00Noon The Week Team # 1 Captain: R. Sorbanelli at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Worship Site Ahead Caller – J. Nelen Kitchen - J. Ballance, D. Bortner, B. Walliser th Friday, June 8 th Prayer Time with Fr. Smith 8:30AM Church FRIDAY, June 8 7:30PM Holy Family Prayer Group 8:00PM Church Basement Captain – C. Volk th Caller – M. Moricz Saturday, June 9 Kitchen Team M. Gesso Confessions 4:45PM Church MONDAY, June 11th 12:00Noon Team # 2 Captain: R. Sorbanelli Attention Business Owners, Professionals, Caller – R. Simeone Self Employed and Families! Kitchen - J. Ballance, D. Bortner, B. Walliser Bulletin advertising Opportunities Available! FRIDAY, June 15st 7:30PM

Donna Delgrosso from our publisher LPi, will be in our Captain – C. Volk office the week of June 25th, 2018; working on securing Caller – M. Moricz new ads for the advertisement section of our bulletin. We Kitchen Team A. Rabago need your help! Please consider purchasing an ad. Your ad and participation makes our Bulletin successful, and you attract customers!

Advertisements can be purchased for a business, a family, a charity, “In Memory of” a loved one or to support the church or a community service organization like the Holy Name, Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes, emergency As a Parish Family we rejoice and celebrate the pregnancy counseling, the March of Dimes, etc. gifts of life and love that God has given to us all. We offer to all those celebrating their birthdays If you would like to run an ad or would like more information, please call Donna before her visit. She can be this month our best wishes and prayers that God reached directly at 1-646-359-0254, or via e-mail at may continue to bless them abundantly in the [email protected]. years ahead. Liturgical Minister Schedule ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA WORSHIP SITE OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL WORSHIP SITE

ALTAR SERVERS ALTAR SERVERS Saturday 06/09/18 Saturday 06/09/18 4:00PM Volunteer Needed 5:30PM A. Dohanyos, M. Dohanyos Sunday 06/10/18 Sunday 06/10/18 8:00AM Volunteer Needed 9:30AM Volunteer Needed 9:30AM Volunteer Needed

11:30AM Volunteer Needed EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS STEP UP.....When you come for Mass if you notice that there is no Saturday 06/09/18 altar server, please volunteer to substitute. Just speak to Fr. Smith. 5:30PM M. Amaya, L. Kadash Extra Albs are available.

Sunday 06/10/18 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 9:30AM C. Alcobendas, G. Golden Homebound Ministers 06/09/18— 06/10/18 B. Barsi READERS Saturday 06/09/18 Saturday 06/09/18 5:30PM G. Miller 4:00PM J. Barcellona, J. Kondrk, R. Masters Sunday 06/10/18 Sunday 06/10/18 9:30AM V. Clarke 8:00AM A. & D. Anderson, M. Balint 9:30AM J. Bamber, B. Barsi, J. Mulvaney 11:30AM M. Amuzie, B. Cuozzo, J. Kisielewski ST. ANTHONY’S Field Trips, STUDY HALL READERS Sports, Saturday 06/09/18 Arts & Crafts, Dance Parties, 4:00PM R. Leone & other Special Sunday 06/10/18 2018 Events 8:00AM T. Casey

9:30AM D. Stuart Pick up our flyer for more 11:30AM C. Amuzie Program information. Join us around the “St. Anthony of Padua Campfire” this summer as we It’s almost graduation time!

If there is anyone in your family graduating from Catholic or Public Middle School (8th grade), High School or College level, please call the parish office or email [email protected] with the name of the student and the school they’re graduating from, your name and relation to the “graduate” and for college graduates, their degree. [example: BA in Education]. Our th graduates names will be published in our bulletin June 24 . “Light a Fire”

in PILGRIMAGE TO THE BEST OF GREECE & THE GREEK ISLANDS sponsored by St. Andrew the Apostle Parish

March 19th—29th, 2019 $3,159 (11 Day Trip)

he Heart Heart of Our World Travel in the footsteps of St. Paul to Greece. Start in Athens and see the acropolis...visit Corinth where he lived All children entering Pre-K (age4) – 6th grade are welcome with Priscilla and Aquila...take a three-day Greek Isles to join us at St. Anthony of Padua Church 26th Vacation cruise to picturesque Mykonos...tour ancient and Bible School. The program will run from Monday, July 9th the House of the Virgin Mary...visit the Monastery of St. –Friday, July 13th from 9:00am until 12:00noon. John on Patmos...stop in Crete and beautiful Registration is $30.00 per child which includes a T-Shirt. Santorini...then visit Thessaloniki and Philippi, where An information letter will be mailed the week before. Paul first preached the Gospel in Europe. Please call 732- Forms are available at the entrance of both worship sites. 634-4355 for a brochure. Festa di San Antonio Quo Vadis Days Young men ages 14-17! th th th June 25 —27 , 2018 Saturday, June 9 12:00—7:00PM

You’re invited to spend three days living, Good Shepherd Parish at praying and interacting with priests,

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church seminarians and faith-filled teens your own age. The days will include dynamic talks, a visit from 625 Florida Grove Rd., Hopelawn, NJ Bishop Checchio, sports and activities, prayer, small group Msgr. Gambino Hall [Elevator Service Available] discussion and so much more. For more information, please email [email protected] Italian Food & Desserts Available for purchase (Eat In / Take Out) The Office of Vocations of the Diocese of Metuchen invites you to join them for

¨ Games & Activities for Kids Eucharistic Holy Hour for Vocations ¨ *Raffles Friday, June 8, 2018 6:00PM Please bring a non-perishable food St. John Neumann Pastoral Center Item for the parish food pantry 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854

Ordination to the Priesthood

Deacon Tholitho Deacon Robert Pinnisi

Saturday, June 9, 2018 11:00AM Cathedral of St. Francis, Metuchen

For directions or questions, please contact: rd [email protected] / 732-562-2456 DON’T MISS OUT! Thursday, August 23

$60.00 Admission & Axelrod Performing Arts Center www.diometuchen.org/vocations Transportation Deal, NJ COUNSELING AND WELLNESS SERVICES

For Tickets or Information Call CAROL Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering 732-969-1565 or 732-841-2931 Counseling and Wellness Services. If you or someone you know needs counseling or is impacted by addiction, we can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call (800) 655-9491.

PILGRIMAGE TO PORTUGAL Lisbon—Tomar—Fatima JULY 20th—28th, 2018

Seven nights hotel accommodations based on rooms with private bath and four dinners. Service of a professional English speaking tour escort to accompany the group. Dominic Charl Russel Dominic Dwayne Price: $2,049.00 per person, based on twin. If interested Scaglione Nolfi Brown Fischer Cooper please pick up a flyer from the desk at the entrance of both worship sites.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR VENDORS !! For information please St. James 29th Annual Street Fair email the Street Fair Committee: Main Street, Woodbridge [email protected]

Saturday, September 15th, 2018 10:00am—5:00pm [rain date—Saturday, September 22nd] LegisLative action aLert!

Urgent! Take action to Oppose Assisted Suicide Bill—Update Is looking for volunteers, both men and women to participate in on-to-one activities and become a mentor to the youth of New Jersey Senate bill S2474, the Aid in Dying for the Middlesex County and Franklin Township. Terminally Ill Act, may be voted on in the next few weeks. An Do you: identical bill, A2451, passed the General Assembly on October 20th. If passed, this bill would allow physicians to prescribe ¨ Have a minimum of three hours a week to offer to a child? drugs to end the lives of terminally ill patients who have been ¨ Like having fun? diagnosed with six months or less to live. ¨ Want to make a difference in a child’s life? ¨ Enjoy being a positive role model? Doctor –assisted suicide is a direct threat to anyone viewed as

Then call Jeanette Cullen at 732-738-1323 or email her at a cost liability to an insurance company. In an era of cost [email protected], for more information. containment and managed care, patients with lingering illnesses may be branded as an economic liability, and decisions to encourage death could be driven by cost.

The facts are clear - in California, Vermont and Oregon - states that have passed assisted suicide bills - insurance companies Please Support A3452/S2026, the NJ Pain Capable have denied individuals healthcare coverage but offered them Unborn Child Protection Act low cost drugs to end their life. One such example is Stephanie Packer, a young mother of four from California. Stephanie was There is substantial medical evidence that babies in the womb recently denied insurance coverage for her new chemotherapy feel pain at a very early stage of gestation. Thanks to advanc- treatment but suicide drugs were approved by her insurance es in medicine, babies as young as 20 weeks post-fertilization with a nominal co-pay of $1.20. can survive and thrive with appropriate care and treatment. Experts in the field of Maternal-Fetal medicine routinely ad- Other reasons to oppose assisted suicide legislation include: minister pain medication as standard medical practice when ¨ A six-month prognosis for a terminal illness is not performing fetal surgery because they recognize these babies always accurate. Often, with treatment, patients as patients. survive well beyond their prognosis.

The NJ Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (A3452/ S2026) will protect babies in the womb at 20 weeks and older ¨ S2474 would allow the death certificate to list the who are capable of feeling pain and ensure that babies born cause of death as the underlying terminal disease - not alive during an abortion will be given the same proper lifesav- assisted suicide. The cause of death should be listed ing medical care given to premature infants. as self-administered drugs that ended life. Why not tell the truth? We are happy to report that A3452/S2026, the NJ Pain Capa- ble Unborn Child Protection Act has been introduced in ¨ Legalized assisted suicide would send the wrong the NJ Legislature. We thank the sponsors of this bill for message to vulnerable groups such as our troubled wanting to protect babies in the womb and the lives of wom- youth and to our veterans suffering from post- en. This bill is modeled after H.R. 36, the Federal bill by the traumatic stress disorder. Studies have shown that in same name. Passing this legislation is part of the 2020 states where assisted suicide has been legalized, Project, a collaborative effort by pro-life groups in NJ to pro- overall suicide rates increase. tect babies in the womb who are capable of feeling pain at 20 weeks gestation. ¨ There is no requirement for a physician to be present when the patient takes the lethal prescription. In fact Take Action Now! there is no supervision of the drugs once they leave à Pray for the protection of babies in the womb and their the pharmacy. Our society should embrace what Pope families. John Paul II called “the way of love and true mercy” à Contact your NJ State Senator and Assembly Members —a readiness to surround patients with love, support, and ask them to support A3452/S2026, the “Pain Ca- and companionship, providing the assistance needed pable Unborn Child Protection Act.” to ease their physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. Our duty is to assist those who are dying- To find your NJ State Senator and two Stat Representatives not kill them. Please contact your state Senators today by district/town, visit: and urge them to oppose S2474 by visiting: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts/municipalities.asp. http://njcatholic.org/faith-in-action. Also, contact For information on this initiative or to obtain a car magnet or Governor Christie (609-292-6000) and ask him to veto sticker, please visit www.babiesinthewombfeelpain.com. the bill if it reaches his desk. Laudato Si': the first papal encyclical devoted to the environment has now been released. Start reading Pope Francis' document at www.vatican.va and take up the pope's urgent call for dialogue on the future of our common home. For related information visit the diocesan website at http://diometuchen.org/pope-francis-encyclical-laudato-si/

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS 24 HOUR HOT LINE

The Diocese of Metuchen has begun a major effort to make Our Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities has a 24 people in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren hour prayer line for those who desire prayer for special needs. Counties aware of the outstanding Pre-K and Kindergarten If you, a family member or friend would like to be programs offered by our schools. They feature certified remembered in prayer for a temporary or permanent illness, teachers, a foundation in faith, and pricing competitive with please call us and leave a detailed message at 732-765-6431 or email our office: [email protected] independent preschools. We invite you to learn about a Catholic school near you! Our Diocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities has a

For more information visit metuchencatholicschools.org/ Facebook page that provides daily updates with short schools or call 732.562.2446 to learn how Catholic schools in inspirational reflections for people with disabilities, family the Diocese of Metuchen offer students a SMARTER START in members and care givers. The site also provides endless school and in life! resources for those with physical, emotional, cognitive, visual, auditory and other special challenges. To access our Facebook page (even if you are not a member of Facebook), type the following into your search engine: Diocese of Metuchen Are you suffering after an Abortion? Help is available! Office for Persons with Disabilities.

If you or someone you know is suffering after an abortion, confidential, non-judgmental help is available! Experience EnCOURAGE….Courage is a spiritual support group helping God’s merciful love and begin the journey of healing: Catholic men and women live in accordance with the Catholic Church’s teaching about same-sex-attraction and discipleship. Call Project Rachel Courage members strive to develop lives of interior chastity in local toll-free helpline number: 877-877-4300 or union with Christ, through participation in the Sacraments, visit HopeAfterAbortion.org. prayer, fellowship and moral support. Courage meets within the

Spanish-speakers may visit EsperanzaPosaborto.org; Diocese with a priest chaplain. EnCourage is a separate spiritual call Sisters of Life at 866-575-0075; or support group for family members and friends of loved ones email: [email protected] with same-sex-attraction. For information about locations and meeting times for each of these groups call: 732-562-2476 for Courage (email: [email protected]) and 732-248-9460 for EnCourage. Also visit the national website at Couragerc.org. All contacts are confidential. Action Alert to Support DREAM Act of 2017

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE AT ST. THOMAS The Dream Act of 2017 (S. 1615 / H.R. 3440) was recently introduced in Congress as a bipartisan effort. The bills are "Community House at St. Thomas, in Old Bridge, is a intended to protect immigrant youth who entered the United program managed by Catholic Charities and provides States as children and know America as their only home. The affordable, accessible housing for adults of very low income bills offer qualifying immigrant youth “conditional permanent who have physical disabilities. Up to 8 physically challenged resident status” and a path to full lawful permanent residency adults live together as a group, functioning to their individual and eventual citizenship. These bills would protect numerous level of independence, and with professional case manage- youth, including the over 780,000 individual who received ment services provided. If you or someone you know is in temporary relief from deportation and employment eligibility need of this type of housing, please call Susan at 732-251- through the Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred 0022 or go to www.commmunityhouse-saintthomas.org action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. for information. We look forward to hearing from you.

The young people S. 1615 / H.R. 3400 seeks to protect are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, ST. PETER’S GIANNA CENTER academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes and communities. As Catholics, we have long The Center is dedicated to offering truly prolife women’s supported DREAMers as we believe in protecting the dignity health care, including infertility services, general gynecologic of every human being, especially that of our children. care, and more. All services are provided in accordance with the US Catholic Bishops Ethical and Religious Directives for To make your voice heard visit: https:// Catholic Health Care Services. For more information visit: justiceforimmigrants.org/action-alerts/action-alert-support http://www.saintpetershcs.com/GiannaCenter/ or contact us at -dream-act-2017/ 732-565-5490.