St. Roman Rectory/Parish Center: (973) 338-9190 . Fax: (973) 338-4224 . Religious Education: (973) 338-7400 School: (973) 338-8505 . Convent: (973) 338-9118 Address: 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003 . Website: www.stthomas-bloomfi eldnj.com

Rev. Charles J. Miller, M. Div., Pastor Eucharistic Liturgy Rev. Peter K. Funesti, M. Div., Parochial Vicar Rev. Philip A. Sanders, S.T.B., Parochial Vicar Saturday Eve: 5:00pm Rev. Thomas F. Blind, M. Div., In Residence Permanent Deacons: Sundays: 7:30, 9:00, Deacon Albert H. Tizzano 10:30am & 12:15pm Deacon Dennis J. Besida (12 Noon during summer months) Deacon Thomas J. Coyle Pastoral Associate for Weekdays: 7:30, & 11:30am Elementary Catechetics: Tracey Rennie Saturday Mornings: 8:30am Only Pastoral Associate for Parish Ministry: Sister Arleen Crimmins, O.P. Holy Days: 7:30, 11:30am & 7:00pm School Principal: Ms. Joan Ferraer Holidays: 8:30am Only DIRECTOR OF LITURGICAL MUSIC MINISTRIES: Nancy A. Cardone Assistant Liturgical Interpreted Mass Liturgy of Music MinisterS: for the deaf the Word Paul DiBianca Fourth Sunday With Children: Kimberley Mesiti Sundays: 10:30am Mass of Each Month Pastoral Associate for Family 12:15pm September - June & Adult Formation Ministries: Sacrament of Robert P. Miller Reconciliation: Coordinator of Youth Ministry: (Penance/Confessions) Catholic Mr. Timothy Dennin Saturday: 11:00am Community Services Pastoral Council: Marian Devotions: Offering Social Tom Rossano, Chairperson Mondays Service Assistance Orly Trias, Vice Chairperson Novena Prayer 1(800) CCS-7413 Michele Sweetman, Secretary Fax: 596-3735 11:30am Mass FINANCE CHAIRMEN: Peter Maulbeck, Finance Council Patrick DeCotiis, Finance Committee

January 6, 2008 . of the Lord Epiphany of the Lord January 6, 2008 Today we remember the three wise Masses for the Week men from the law and become sons Sunday, January 6 and daughters of God. New Year’s Day provides a perfect opportunity to Saturday, January 5 ask ourselves the question: Does my 5:00 pm Mr. & Mrs. Louis Scaglione - Family life reflect my gratitude for all that my loving Father has given me? Sunday, January 6 7:30 am For the People of the Parish

9:00 am Dennis W. McDonald - Friends Pray For Vocations 10:30 am Patrick J. Longo - Friends

12:15 pm Nick Spooner - Friends Today the Church Universal celebrates the Three Monday, January 7 Kings. These three wise men from the East, led 7:30 am Marcheel - Sister by a star, represent the universality of Christ’s kingdom,

11:30 am Concetta & Rocco Donatiello - Family bringing Him gifts on behalf of themselves and their people. This privilege also extends to us. Our homage Tuesday, January 8 and gift is more precious than the , and 7:30 am Ann Riley - Bequest , our gift to the newborn King can be our very 11:30 am Bob Arms - Wife selves. As a priest, religious or deacon, one makes the Wednesday, January 9 greatest gift possible to Christ by serving and honoring 7:30 am Tina Gorry - Family Him and His Church with our lives. Are you willing to 11:30 am Emma Marie Vogel - Friend present the gift of yourself to Christ as a priest, deacon Thursday, January 10 or religious? If so, contact to Office of Vocations at

7:30 am Joseph Shelesky - Daughter 973.497.4365 or email [email protected]. th 11:30 am Rose Sharpe (6 Anniv.) - Friend

Friday, January 11 Right to Life 7:30 am Richard F. Curcio - Wife For parents awaiting the birth of their first 11:30 am Florence & Nicholas Sottolano - Daughter child: that the gift of life might fill them Saturday, January 12 with joy; 8:30 am Anna Spatola – Brother & Sister-in-law We pray to the Lord

Sunday, January 13

Saturday, January 12 BAPTISM SCHEDULE 5:00 pm Barbara Ellmer - Husband Sunday, January 13 Preparation sessions: Jan. 7, Mar. 25, Apr. 27, 1:30 pm in the Parish Center 7:30 am John J. Hughes - Friend 9:00 am For the People of the Parish Baptism Celebrations for 2006 10:30 am Dominga Chuakay Go - Family Jan 28, Feb. 11, Apr. 14 & 15, 1:45 p.m. in Church 12:15 pm Ted Wohlbold - Wife

Session Dates for Baptism for 2008 PRAY FOR OUR SICK: CATECHESIS PREPARATION

Luke Schwenderman, Harry Shaw, Dorothy Drexler, In the St. James Room in the Parish Center Joanne Stile, Nina Vetere, January 27 1:30pm

REST IN PEACE: March 9 1:30pm

Elena Crescenzi, Estrellita Sturn, May 25 1:30pm July 6 1:30pm Rev. Eugene P. Heyndricks Sept 7 1:30pm

CANDLE INTENTIONS: BAPTISM CELEBRATIONS FOR 2008 Church: Angelo Melia January 13 1:45pm

February 3 1:45pm

Next Sunday’s Readings: March 29 5:00pm March 30 1:45pm

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 April 20 1:45pm Acts 10:34-38 May 18 1:45pm June 8 12:15pm Matthew 3:13-17 June 29 1:45pm

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Religious Education News Epiphany of the Lord Summer CCD Update: A quick

reminder to all those hoping to attend

summer CCD in 2008. Registration

packages are NOT sent home, even if

your child attended summer CCD last

year. A notice will be placed in the

bulletin around the middle of January

announcing that the packages are ready.

Once the notice has appeared in the bulletin you may call

the Religious Education Office and request that a Today is the traditional day of Epiphany – the “Twelfth registration package be mailed to you or you may Day of .” On this day we mark the apex, as it download it from the STA website. Dates for summer were, of the Christmas season. The season has been CCD 2008 are July 7th through July 18th from 9:00 – 12:30 moving steadily toward this moment of great revelation each day. Children in grades 3 through 8 only may attend and epiphany. Today we acknowledge and celebrate summer CCD. Last year summer CCD closed out in two that the child born in a lowly in the darkness of weeks and names were taken for a waiting list, so please night is revealed as the manifestation of God (the literal note that this program is first come, first served. Please do meaning of Epiphany). Throughout the liturgies of the NOT call the Religious Education Office until the season, Christ has been revealed in many ways: as announcement appears in the bulletin. Teachers and aides Lord; King; the one in whom God is present and acts. All manifestations of God are “lights” that shine through are needed for each grade. If you are interested please call Tracey Rennie at 973-338-7400. Christ, illuminating and revealing a deeper understanding of his identity. Vacation Bible School 2008: Mark your calendar for an Traditionally, three events in the life of Christ are exciting faith adventure for children ages 4 through 12. remembered as manifestations of God’s presence and Our annual Vacation Bible School program will be held action through Christ: June 23rd through June 27th. Each day will be packed with • The Visit of the Magi: :1-12 crafts, songs, activities, and games. Children do not need to • The Wedding Feast of Cana: John 2:1-11 be parishioners to attend. We will also need lots of • The Baptism of in the Jordan River: Matthew volunteers, especially Confirmation Candidates. Watch the bulletin for further information. 3:13 – 17; Mark 1:9 – 11; Luke 3:21 – 22 Today is also the traditional day for blessing homes and other buildings by marking the lintels of doorways with chalk. The markings commemorate the three Magi The Prayer Shawl Ministry

traditionally known by the names , Melchior, and Balthasar. The markings for 2008 are 20 + C + M + B + “And he was wrapped in swaddling…” 08. These letters represent the three initials of the Let us continue to pray for those Magi’s names written between the numbers of the year, making shawls and those who separated by four crosses. receive them.

************************ th th LECTIONARY Our next meetings are Sundays Jan. 20 , Feb. 17 , and nd March 2 at 1:30 p.m. Please check with the parish The readings reveal a different manifestation of Christ center as meetings may be cancelled due to bad weather. for those who believe. If you have any questions, call Eileen (973) 661-9699; The First Reading from proclaims that our light has come – it shines upon us as a beacon for all nations. Debbie (973) 771-1952 or Bernadette (973) 893-0114. Psalm 72 sings of God’s king who governs with If you need a shawl please call Sister Arleen (973) 338- justice, who rules from sea to sea and rescues the poor. 9190 or Alicia (973) 473-6633. St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians speaks of Christ gathering all as one body to share in the same promise “T H I S W E E K” and inheritance of God. The Gospel according to Matthew recounts the Monday – 1/7 wonderful story of the Magi, who recognize this newborn September Club – 11:30 a.m. in St. Peter King and come to worship him. The symbolism cannot Men’s prayer and Bible Study – 7:30 p.m. in St. Matthew be missed: the whole world (represented by the Magi from far-off lands) is called to recognize Christ and honor Thursday – 1/10 him as Savior. Remembers, the Magi were Gentiles SCC Thursday – 7:00 p.m. in St. Matthew (non Jews) – and yet they are the first to recognize and

Friday – 1/11 honor Christ. This illustrates that the manifestation of God through Christ reaches to the ends of the earth. SCC Friday – 7:00 p.m. in St. Peter

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Men’s Cornerstone Retreat LEARNING TO LIVE

(March 7th – March 8th) WITH YOUR LOSS

All St. Thomas Men are Invited th

Sunday, January 6 , 1:30-3:00 p.m.

in the Parish Center What is Cornerstone?

Cornerstone is a 26-hour retreat which provides you Our theme will be: with the opportunity to reflect renew and strengthen your We Are Precious Gifts faith while meeting other men in our Parish community. The retreat is hosted here at St. Thomas by a group of

men from our parish who have experienced last year’s Cornerstone. PRAY This retreat is simply a gathering of Ordinary Men THE ROSARY sharing stories and life’s experiences. You may share in the discussion as much or as little as you choose. This FOR PEACE

is an outstanding opportunity to:

examine your relationship with God, your family and others in your life SOCIAL COMMITTEE Presents

think about those things that matter to you most in an atmosphere that lends itself to reflection and ST. THOMAS DANCE TIME

contemplation TH “jump-start” your sense of belonging or involvement SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 7PM in our parish, and enjoy the fellowship of other men At who seek to build our Christian community HERRON HALL

This is a great opportunity to step out of the hustle MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES of daily life and meet and interact with other men of Also the parish, in a friendly, welcoming, non-judgmental DINNER, BEER, WINE AND SODA environment. BYOB FOR EVERYTHING REST

Give yourself and our parish a gift by attending rd DONATION-$35 PER PERON St. Thomas’ 3 “Men’s Cornerstone” on March 7th to March 8th. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO ST. THOMAS

NAME ______Contact us at:

The Rectory: TELEPHONE # ______

- Fr. Peter Funesti (973) 338-9190 x-14 ADDRESS ______ Cornerstone Welcoming Team Members:

HOW MANY COMING______- Bob Garrabrant 973 338-6358 or [email protected]

- Bob Silvestri 973-773-6040 or [email protected] AMOUNT OF CHECK______

- Pat DeCotiis 973-896-5739 or [email protected] Make returns to Paul Alongi. 21 Leo Terrace,

Bloomfield, New Jersey, 07003, 973-338-4665

or Parish Center 973-338-9190 Believe the Promise, Share the Hope, Live the Joy! Women’s Cornerstone

As we celebrate the feast of “Journey Together” the Epiphany, may the gift of

Jesus fill your heart with peace and love today and always. Women’s Cornerstone team will meet Mondays, January 14th & 28th. Please do your best to attend. The Thomas the Apostle School Community Thank you, ~ Sister Arleen

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A Note of Thanks… Sermon on the Mount Special thanks go out to those who’ve taken the Bible Study time to help set up the trees in the Church… th Gregg Childers Bob McCreadie Beginning Tuesday, January 8 there will be a three John Barbetta Matt McCreadie week Bible Study on the Sermon on the Mount in Frank Mescall Frank Miller Matthew’s Gospel. Class meets from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Frank Zoppi Tom Miller in the St. Peter room of the parish center. For more Tyler Dennin Brian Martin information call Bob Miller at 973.338.9190 x29. All Jose Santos Dan Rivera are welcome.

Keith Pengitore Ben Thompson

Mark Hanna Sean Downey Joaquin Gomez DON’T MISS THE

Children’s Christmas Moving? Epiphany Pageant TODAY (Sunday 1/6/08) !!!

COME SEE THE CHILDREN OF THE PARISH,

Ages Pre-K4 – Grade 3,

TODAY Immediately following 12:15 pm Please let us know. Within the parish – to update new address Mass, as they play Angels and Shepherds in Out of parish – to discontinue mailings our Nativity and Epiphany pageant. Please call the Parish Center at (973) 338-9190.

Ministry of Spiritual Direction ** Gala Art Auction New Year – New Beginnings One Day Guided Retreat Sponsored by

St. Thomas the Apostle School Class of 2008

To Benefit Project Graduation

on

Saturday Evening, February 2, 2008

at St. Thomas the Apostle School

Preview: 7:00 p.m. ~ Auction: 8:00 p.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 from 9:00am – 3:30pm Admission: $15.00 per person ~ $25.00 per couple (PARISH CENTER) Door Prizes ~ Raffle Prizes ~ 50/50

“There is an appointed time for everything…” Wine & Cheese ~ Light Hors D’oeuvres ~ Dessert & Coffee

(Ecclesiastes 3)

After a busy season which holds much For Tickets or Information Call: excitement and possibly some Vincent Caravello (973) 338-4811

disappointments, it is good to take some time to rest & reflect with God Visit marlinart.com and all purchases you make will on those things held in your heart. be credited toward our organization.

Day includes presentations, prayer service, Simply enter code 63535 upon checkout.

quiet reflection time, gathering of the graces. Featuring Art in all Media & Price Ranges – Anna Graziano, – (973) 338-9538 Major Credit Cards Accepted

Registration Helpful / Offering $25 Light Continental Breakfast Marlin Art, Inc., 920 Grand Blvd., Deer Park, NY 11729 **Individual Spiritual Direction Available by (631) 242-3344 Appointment

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Senior High Youth Group News Benedict XVI:

2008 World Day of Peace Message We wish you all a happy new year

Email Tim Dennin with any questions [email protected] PEACE

Each year the pope issues an annual message of peace at the threshold of the new year which. A portion of this Christian Marriage: What is it? year’s message is summarized here. Due to the length of the article, various themes and sections (fifteen to be According to Blankenhorn, author of “The Future exact) will be updated in this bulletin weekly. of Marriage”, marriage is socially approved sexual

intercourse between a woman and a man, conceived both The Family, Society and Peace as a personal relationship and as an institution, primarily

1. “...The peoples of the earth are called to build relation- such that any children resulting from the union are – and ships of solidarity and cooperation among themselves, are understood by the society to be- emotionally, as befits members of the one human family: “All peoples morally, practically and legally affiliated with both the are one community and have one origin, because God parents. caused the whole human race to dwell on the face of the earth (cf. Acts 17:26); they also have one final end, That’s what marriage is. It’s a way of living rooted in God.” the fundamental physiological and biochemical adaptations of our species, as developed over the course 2. ...The natural family, as an intimate communion of life of our long prehistory. For more information, go to and love, based on marriage between a man and a www.foryourmarriage.org. woman, constitutes “the primary place of ‘humanization’ for the person and society” and a “cradle of life and love.” Archdiocese of Newark………….News 3. ...For this reason, the family is the first and indispensable teacher of peace. Thus violence, if You can give a lasting gift to our parish without spending perpetrated in the family, is seen as particularly a dime. Life insurance no longer needed or a simple line intolerable. . . in your will can benefit our parish endowment and provide financial support year after year. It’s a wonderful 4. The family is the subject of specific rights. The way to pass on your faith and love for our parish. It’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which simple and easy to accomplish. Contact the parish represents a landmark of truly universal values, states office or Anne DeMesa in the Archdiocese of Newark’s that “the family is the natural, fundamental group unit of Planned Giving Office at 973-497-4048. society and is entitled to protection by society and the State” . . .

5. ...The family needs to have a home, employment and Worldwide Marriage Encounter a just recognition of the domestic activity of parents, the possibility of schooling for children, and basic health In today's second reading it tells us “Over all these care for all. When society and public policy are not virtues put on love”. Does your marriage reflect the committed to assisting the family in these areas, they virtues of a ? Let Worldwide Marriage deprive themselves of an essential resource in the Encounter help you to re-ignite the vows you made service of peace.” on your wedding day. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is July 11-13, 2008

Please call 800-823-5683 or www.wwme.org

Prayer for Peace ARE YOU GOING INTO THE HOSPITAL? Christ, Prince of Peace, as we celebrate DO YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER IN THE your coming anew, open us to the moral HOSPITAL? wisdom of our Pope. Help us discern in his words your call for Peace on Earth. We would like to visit our parishioners Give us the grace to support international who are homebound, in the hospital or cooperation to build the common good. Help other health care facility. Because of patient us speak out with courage and conviction on confidentiality laws, however, the only way we can matters of justice and peace as a way to affirm that we are all brothers and sisters, all know is if someone informs us. Call the Parish Center members of your human family. at (973) 338-9190, leaving your name and number so we may return your call, or you may leave the Amen. information at the Parish Desk on Sunday mornings.

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