ST. BERNARD of CLAIRVAUX “We Are the Living Stones”,“We Afamily of Faith Which Strives to Love God and Our Neighbors the Church

© 2011 Bon Venture Services, LLC ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX “We are the Living Stones”,“We afamily of Faith which strives to love God and our neighbors the church. through The Roman Catholic Community of Catholic Community The Roman 500 Route22 East - Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 Mr. PatrickCline Rev. AndrewSmith,O.S.B. Rev. Tholitho Mr. Gerard Sims Mr. Gerard Rev. Msgr.RandallJ.Vashon Mrs. Christina Blalock Mrs. Christina Mr. MarkLaFleur Mr. SeanO’Brien Ms. GretchenD’Angelo ------Sixth SundayofEaster~May9,2021 ------Served By Director, Office of Catechetical Formation Formation ofCatechetical Office Director, Director, St. Bernard Cemetery Bernard Cemetery St. Director, Director of Sacred Music Music of Sacred Director Youth MinistryLeader Weekend Assistant Weekend Assistant Parochial Vicar Vicar Parochial Deacon Deacon Pastor Page 2 The Liturgical Week Today’s Readings

The following Masses are live-streamed & saved to our website: TODAY’S READINGS Daily M-F 8:00am | Saturday 9:00am | 5:15pm Saturday Vigil Mass First Reading — The gift of the Holy Spirit was

poured out on the Gentiles also (Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, M, M 10 44-48). 8:00am Mother’s Day Novena Psalm — The Lord has revealed to the nations his sav- 12:10pm Mother’s Day Novena ing power (Psalm 98). Second Reading — God is love (1 John 4:7-10) or

1 John 4:11-16. T, M 11 Gospel — No one has greater love than this: to lay down 8:00am Mother’s Day Novena one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:9-17) or John 17:11b- 12:10pm Mother’s Day Novena 19. The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, W, M 12 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. 8:00am Mother’s Day Novena 12:10pm Mother’s Day Novena

T, M 13 8:00am Adelia Figueiredo, req. by her family 12:10pm Elizabeth Cihal, req. by Karen and Eric

F, M 14 8:00am Mother’s Day Novena 12:10pm Margaret Pinter, req. by Charles and Sixth Sunday of Easter Margaret Soffel THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT S, M 15 We have a unique episode in the Acts of the Apos- tles today. A whole roomful of people are baptized with 9:00am Kathy Musarra, req. by Anna and the Holy Spirit before they are baptized with water! The Paul Prumachuk verb used—“the Holy Spirit ‘fell’ on them” (Acts 5:15pm Special Intention for Tammara family, 10:44)—is characteristic of the way the Spirit works req. by the Tammara family throughout the book of Acts: powerful and surprising. Though this “baptism” is not the normative way the S, M 16 New Testament describes baptism, it is still a good re- 7:30am Maureen Holleran Hammer, req. by minder today that the Holy Spirit is not controlled by Maureen DiIorio whether or not we pour water, but rather that our sacra- 9:00am Ricky Oeskovic, req. by family mental signs reveal the presence of the Spirit at work 10:30am Elizabeth Cihal, req. by John and among us. And we have a double reinforcement of how Margaret Batkowski this work is accomplished from a Letter and a Gospel 12:00pm For the People of St. Bernard bearing John’s name. It is love, self-sacrificing and self- giving love, that manifests the Spirit of Jesus in our midst. It is love that is the greatest of commandments. The Spirit is manifested equally through those who live in that love. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. READINGS FORReadings THE WEEK for the Week Monday: Acts 16:11-15; Ps 149:1b-6a, 9b; Jn 15:26 — 16:4a Tuesday: Acts 16:22-34; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Jn 16:5-11 In your kindness we ask you to remember Wednesday: Acts 17:15, 22 — 18:1; Ps 148:1-2, 11-14; all the sick members of our parish. We ask Jn 16:12-15 Thursday: Acts 1:1-11; Ps 47:2-3, 6-9; Eph 1:17-23 or you also to pray for all of our Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20 (for beloved dead, especially Elsa Matzer. Ascension); otherwise Acts 18:1-8; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 16:16-20 Friday: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; Ps 113:1-8; Jn 15:9-17 Saturday: Acts 18:23-28; Ps 47:2-3, 8-10; Jn 16:23b-28 Eph 1:17- 23 or Eph 4:1-13 [1-7, 11-13]; Mk 16:15-20 Page 3

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 9, 2021 It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit. — John 15:16 This Week at St. Bernard

Sunday, May 9 Thursday, May 13 Mother’s Day The Ascension of the Lord Social Concerns & SHIP Collection transferred to Sunday, May 16th

7:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live -streamed & recorded) 9:00 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 12:10 pm - Mass, Church 10:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Women’s Prayer Group, Chapel & 12:00 pm - Mass , Church, (live-streamed) Room C

Friday, May 14 Monday, May 10

8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 12:10 pm - Mass, Church 12:10 pm - Mass, Church

Saturday, May 15

Tuesday, May 11 9:00 am - Mass, Church Parish Office closed until 1:00pm 4:00 pm - 5:00pm - Confession, Church 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 5:15 pm - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 10:00am - 1:00pm - Staff Meeting, Room C 12:10 pm - Mass, Church 2:30pm - 6:00 pm - Gym Reserved by Msgr. Sunday, May 16 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm - RCIA Meeting, Room C Development of the People Collection 7:30 - 9:00 pm - Youth Ministry, Lighthouse 7:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 9:00 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) Wednesday, May 12 9:00am - Adult Confirmation, Church 10:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 12:00 pm - Mass , Church, (live-streamed) 12:10 pm - Mass, Church 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm - Private Baptism, Church 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm - New Visions (AA), Cafeteria and Gym

Page 4

Commission for Liturgy and Worship Ministers of the Liturgy

We acknowledge with appreciation the following Liturgical Ministers who will serve at next weekend’s Masses:

Weekend of May 15th and 16th

5:15 Mass Altar Servers: Kaitlin McCann 10:30 Mass Altar Servers: Faith Hughes

Readers: Robert Donar Readers: Jim Alaimo

Eucharistic Ministers: Eucharistic Ministers: Janetta Buckmire, Ian Carmody Christine Macchiarola, Michael Macchiarola 7:30 Mass Altar Servers: Adrian Rumondor, Christopher Rumonder 12:00 Mass Altar Servers: Salvatore Cicale

Readers: Alfred Rumondor Readers: Dominick Batkowski

Eucharistic Ministers: Greg Bielat, Eucharistic Ministers: Priscilla Weick Marie Barbosa, Joe Filep

9:00 Mass Altar Servers: James Roccanova

Readers: Volunteer needed If you are mandated and trained

Eucharistic Ministers: for these ministries, please consider Margaret Batkowski, volunteering through the Paul Triozzi Ministry Scheduler Pro application.

May 10, 2021 to May 16, 2021

The Church’s Sanctuary lamp Burns in memory of John Behre req. by Lynn Ruezinsky

The Blessed Mother’s votive lamp Burns in memory of Helen Topar, req. by the Pearce family.

The Chapel’s Sanctuary lamp Burns in Thanksgiving for the love of family and friends

The St. Joseph’s votive lamp Burns in memory of Joseph Marino, Sr., req. by Lucille D’Albero

The Parish Prayer Chain is a group of Parishioners that regularly pray for your needs. It consists of two groups, those who pray during the daytime and those who pray in the evening.

Should a need for prayer arise, please call Joan Dobrosky at 908-231-9545 to initiate your prayer request. Your intention will be prayed for by both Chains and kept strictly confiden- tial. If you have an interest in becoming a member of the Prayer Chain, please call Joan. Page 5 OFFICE OF

CATECHETICAL FORMATION

God bless our Newly Confirmed! Please keep in your special prayers our young people who have been preparing so faithfully this year to be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit! Our congratulations to those who were confirmed on May 6 & 7: Abigail ABIGAIL Alonso McKenzie JEROME Lovell Joseph PETER Angrisani Connor JAMES Lynch Andrew FRANCIS Arellano Blake PATRICK Marce Michael CHRISTOPHER Barbiero Ava ELIZABETH Marcella

Joseph MATTHEW Barron Kaitlin MATILDA McCann Jack CASIMIR Bewalder Madison CECILIA McInerney Madison GRACE Blanchard James PETER Meister

Noah MATTHEW Brandon Owen LEO Melchione Nicholas LEO Brauchle Ryan JOSEPH Melchione Gianna ELIZABETH Callari Grace ELIZABETH Miller Patrick THOMAS Carrete Brady JOHN PAUL Millets Andrew PATRICK Childs Brenden JOHN Pacheco I have told you this Francesca PRISCILLA Cignarella Karly KATHLEEN Perez while I am with you. Santino SEBASTIAN Cignarella Kaitlyn JOAN Pericone Daniel MATTHEW Ciser Olivia KATHARINE Petronzi The Advocate, Isaiah THOMAS Cuskie-Garry Evangeline LUCY Renieris the Holy Spirit Ava KATHARINE Cust Mya GABRIELLA Romero that the Father will send Nicholas PATRICK DiEsso Troy BERNARD Rutkowski in my name, Samuel CONSTANTINE Donato Roman DOMINIC Savini Ryan ROCCO Dzuroska Regina JOAN Sayavedra Gomez A special THANK YOU to our Ashley STEPHANIE Egan Sophia PATRICIA Schlauch beloved catechists! Sean JOHN Fagan Anna CLARE Scholp Marissa ROSE Fattore Kohl LOUIS Schroeder Your generosity, faith and Rohan ISIDORE Gali Ashley MARIA Smith great love for your students Bella CECILIA Garcia Jordyn ANNE Spina are such special gifts to them Grace ROSE Gauthier Christopher JOSEPH Spinello and to our entire parish family! Kailee CATHERINE Hernandez Zachary JOHN Stouffer Thomas PATRICK Hughes Ashley CLARE Straka Mr. Franz Bach Tatiana TERESA Humphries Brad NICHOLAS Sweet Joseph CHARLES Inzitari Madeline CECILIA Tavaglione Mr. Andrew Brandon Kate ELIZABETH Iovine Eric ERIC Thompson Miss Joanna Coppola Asher PETER Joseph Kiera CECILIA Vidal Louis ALOYSIUS Kilpatrick Maia CATHERINE Vidal Mrs. Joanne Coppola Braeden GREGORY Lemon Katelyn CLARE Watkins Mrs. Irma Humphries Drew LEONARD Lipke Alijah SEBASTIAN Wilson Carmela MARY Loschiavo Kaitlyn CATHERINE Winne Mrs. Cheryl Internoscia Paul FRANCIS Loschiavo Nicholas MATTHEW Wisniewski Mrs. Gina Loschiavo Jonathan ANDREW LoStocco J.P. SEBASTIAN Zayle Page 6

Commission for Liturgy and Worship

Congratulations… To the newly baptized members of our parish and Christian family!

Leanne Cash Daughter of Myles and Leanne Cash

Olivia Joy Bednarski Daughter of Erik and Nicole Bednarski

An Important Message from our Diocese: Bishop Checchio has informed us that Cardinal Tobin, Mother’s Day Novena envelopes are still available in conjunction with the Bishops of New Jersey, has in the back of the Narthex. transferred the Solemnity of the Ascension from Thursday, May 13th to Sunday, May 16th, replacing the You can enroll your mother, living or deceased, in Seventh Sunday of Easter. This change is for 2021 on- our Mother’s Day Novena of Masses. This spiritual bouquet/Novena of Masses will be celebrated in our ly. Thursday, May 13th is not a Holy Day of Obliga- Church for the intention listed on your envelope. tion this year. The new Mass times are: Saturday, May 15th, at 5:15 pm (Vigil Mass) All Sunday Masses, May 16th, 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12 Noon

Page 7 Commission for Christian Community

WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP

ROSARY WITH OUR LADY

Looking forward to your joining us in praying the Scriptural Rosary each Thursday in May at 7:00 p.m. in the Daily Mass Chapel. Children are welcome.

Commission for Christian Service

SHIP Collection

Thank you for your generous donations to our parish Social Concerns Second Collection and for all those who donated food items to SHIP this weekend. On the second Sunday of every month, the SHIP ministry collects casseroles and certain food donations after every weekend Mass.

All parishioners, including families and our CCD students, are invited to volunteer their time to prepare casseroles or collect #10 vegetable cans and drinks for donation to our local neighbors who are not able to provide full meals for their families. Please visit the parish website for details, including instructions and casserole recipes. Click SHIP under the ‘Ministries’ tab on the home page

Saint Bernard Green Team Opportunities for Prayer during the Month of Mary

This May, the Saint Bernard Green Team invites parishioners to honor MARY, pray in nature and pray for our Common Home by participating in the following:

Outdoor Guided Rosary with Ecological Focus (In the Mary Garden). Please bring a rosary. Wednesday, May 19th, after the 8:00 a.m. Mass (Glorious Mysteries) Wednesday, May 26th after the 12:10 p.m. Mass (Glorious Mysteries)

Our parish is blessed to have lots of beautiful green space! Let’s give thanks and praise to God by honoring Mary and using this space for outdoor prayer and worship!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:46-47) Page 8 Commission for Christian Service

St. Bernard Appalachian Mission

Nature sure has provided challenges to our mission over the last year. Last year we were able to assist with a greatly expanded food pantry program with your generous donations and redirection of our 2020 building funds. The pantry continues to provide to over 500 families weekly. At the beginning of March, the Dunlow area was hit with another natural disaster. There was severe flooding that damaged at least 100-150 homes and threatened our community center – the mainstay of the food pantry. Luckily, our resources were not damaged. We sent $2000 out of our Appalachian Mission fund to replace affected residences appliances and pay for cleaning materials.

For 2021, there has been a decision to have a very different arrangement of work camp. We are targeting the building of two new homes, and not including any major repair projects. This is to insure the safety of all locals and participants against the COVID threat. Usually we have a group of 100-120 participants attend one week of construction and repairs. This year, we have planned much smaller groups, timed appropriately, to accomplish the two new house builds. The first team of 30-50 participants from Ohio, Chicago, Kansas City and Maryland will be responsible for erecting the first house (foundation already in) the week of June 6-12. St. Bernard will send a crew of six for the week of June 13-19 with the intent of installing the electrical and plumbing in the new house. Other smaller teams will follow us to insulate and sheet rock the house. For the week of July 25-31, Immaculata High School from Somerville will send down a team of 40-50 students and chaperones to begin the build on the second house. From August 1-7 St. Bernard will again send down a small team to install the electrical and plumbing in the second house. Another team from northeast WV will come in to complete the insulation and sheet rock for the second house. All of these plans may change as there is a shortage of building materials as well as a significant pricing increase in all materials. (Previous years homes were constructed for $25K. This year the same house is pricing out at $40K for materials.) The team in Dunlow is in the process of procuring what they can in advance and staging material at the local high school.

I will ask again that you consider financial assistance to this ministry so we can carry out this year’s arrangements. We will need to rent vans for the two trips (typical cost is $1,000 per van per week including rental, insurance and fuel) as well as purchase food for the team while we are in WV. Any and all funds collected is used specifically toward the building and plans as described. We appreciate that every year, the generosity of this parish allows us to continue this important mission.

Together with Monsignor Vashon, we would ask that if you can help, please consider placing a check in one of the collection boxes, or sending a check to St. Bernard’s office (500 US-22, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807). Please make checks payable to St. Bernard and note on the check memo “Appalachian Mission”.

Thank you again for your prayers and all you have contributed to this very worthwhile cause. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] Phil Guastella - Ted Bell - Art Sanford

Matthew 25:35-40 – For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Page 9 Commission for Christian Service

Respect for Life Building a culture of life in our community through education, pastoral care, advocacy and prayer

Keep filling our crib!

Please know that the mothers in need are truly grateful for the support they receive from the St. Bernard Community. So please keep the donations coming. The crib is located in the Cry Room. If the door is locked, please leave the donations by the door. Thank you!

Currently, there is a need for formula, baby cereal, diapers and wipes, baby lotion, baby shampoo, and layette items are always appreciated. Gently used clothing, toys and children’s books are welcome.

“Live the Gospel of Life…to imitate Christ and follow in his footsteps!”-- Respect for Life Theme 2020-2021

Stewardship Thoughts… Knight's Corner, Knights of Columbus #1432 “We must respond [to God’s love] with the witness of a life that is given in service, of a life that takes upon itself the style of God -- closeness, compassion, Join Free of charge at kofc.org and identify our and tenderness -- and gives itself in council #1432 as the local council serving your pas- service.” tor, parish and community.

Pope Francis KOC Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays virtually, and minutes are provided to all members.

Council Website: http:// www.somervillekofc1432.org/

How to Report Sexual Abuse: If you were sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone repre- senting the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforce- ment, and/or by contacting the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week). For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan website: http://diometuchen.org/report-a-suspected abuse. Page 10 Around our Diocese Page 11

St. Bernard’s Finance Council Update

Weekly Collections Cumulative Year-to-Date Totals

From Week Ending: 5/2/2021 From 7/1/20 - 5/2/2021 % to Total % to Total

Envelope Contributions: $ 8898.00 52.5%* Envelope Contributions: $ 427, 078.13 42.5%

WeShare Contributions: $ 6449.00 39.1%* WeShare Contributions: $ 482, 297.54 48.0%

Social Concerns : $ 765.00 4.5% Social Concerns: $ 53, 659.60 5.3%

Other Contributions: $ 829.00 4.9% Other Contributions: $ 41, 316.00 4.1%

Total Contributions: $ 16,941.00 Total Contributions: $ 1, 004, 351.27

*Includes Easter and Holy Week contributions to date

2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Transformed by Christ Body and Blood- Sent on Mission to Light a Fire in the Heart of the Church

To date, the Development Office has received pledges totaling $120,721.25 and payments totaling $106,762.50 from 295 parishioners. This represents 89.4% of our $ 135,000.00 goal. Thank you for your generosity!

Ongoing Benefits of WeShare Online Giving !!!

Family Budget Flexibility

 Set up your recurring gift using a credit card, checking or savings account  Opportunity to gain credit card points  Leave your checkbook at home  Donations can be processed weekly, monthly, semimonthly, quarterly, semi annually, or annually based on your designation

Your Funds Are Protected

 Your donations are automatically transferred to St. Bernard’s parish account so it’s safer and more secure.

Consistent Parish Support

 Ongoing donations even if you are unable to attend Mass or travelling

Enroll at www.stbernardbridgewater.org Thank you for your continued support to the parish! Page 12

Scrip Update --- Week 502 (April 25, 2021)

Scrip Income Scrip Cards Available for Purchase Current Week: $232.55 Current Year(*): $4,671.16 While the Scrip Program is currently suspended due to the COVID Virus, a limited selection of cards are Cumulative: $110,146.94 available for purchase in the Parish Office. The selection includes ShopRite, Panera, Chipotle, Apple, * July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 Starbucks, Macys, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Olive Garden. Order forms are available and

Scrip Parish Vendor Contributions accepted in the Parish Office during our business hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Distinctive Landscaping $ 7,639 C&R Construction $ 6,976 Your support of the Program during the COVID Crisis is greatly appreciated. Accounting Alternatives $ 1,870 Wylde Group of Remax $ 900 Don’t forget to consider using our Parish Scrip Vendors for all your landscaping, home improvement, Kerith Brook Financial $ 830 accounting and investment planning needs. Other $ 1,548 TOTAL: $ 19,763

Scrip Parish Vendors: Numerous local companies owned/ operated by our parishioners have elected to become Parish General Scrip Information Scrip Vendors. While providing our families high quality services, they return a portion of their profits back to the Don’t forget, cards ordered by noon on Sunday Parish as a part of the Scrip Program. This has resulted in a are generally available for pick-up starting the win-win-win proposition for our Parish Families, the Vendors following Thursday. Scrip cards make great gifts for and the Parish. Please consider these vendors should you your loved ones while also supporting our parish! have need for the types of services they provide. Many Parish Families have already used their services and have been very pleased with the services provided. If you are interested in joining the growing number of Parish Scrip Vendors, please contact Bernie McElroy at 908-923-4160 or [email protected] . By joining the Scrip Program, your company can increase its exposure for business within the St. Bernard community of over 2,400 families.

Accounting Alternatives: C&R Construction: Distinctive Landscaping: Need accounting or tax assistance or services? Contact C&R for all your construction and Contact Distinctive Landscaping for all your Accounting Alternatives provides comprehen- home repair needs. From the simplest repair to landscaping needs. From routine lawn and sive and solution oriented accounting and tax the most complicated job, C&R can do the job. shrub maintenance to the design and installa- services to small businesses and individuals. Numerous Parishioners have used their ser- tion of new landscaping effects, Distinctive We’re an ally to our clients. We’re located in vices and have been very satisfied with the Landscaping does it all. Their knowledge of downtown Raritan. Contact Michael Di Bian- work performed. To get a quick quote on your local shrubbery, deer resistant plants, and spe- co, CPA at 908-707-8733 or visit their website job contact C&R at 908-927-0744 or via email cial lighting effects are a plus. Call Gary Puzio at [email protected]. at [email protected]. You can also to discuss your needs on 908-672-3204. pick up their flier at the Scrip table. Wylde Group with RE/MAX Premier: Kerith Brook Financial Services: has joined our group of Parish Scrip Ven- Has there been or will there be a major change in your life? Retirement? New Job? New child or dors. David and Florence Wylde, of Wylde grandchild? Do you need to review your life and Group, are well versed in the dynamics of disability insurance needs? How about your retire- our area and stand ready to manage all your ment and estate plans? Are there retirement plans realty needs. They have been recognized for that you haven’t looked at in months/years? Would you like to help your children/ their excellence in performance by both RE/ grandchildren with escalating costs of higher MAX Premier and New Jersey Realtors. To education? Take action! Contact Greg Elia at 908- contact them please call 908-752-2305 or 642-4197 or email at email them at [email protected]. [email protected]. For more info please take the updated booklet “Navigating a Additional information can be found on their Course” from the Scrip table in the Narthex. As a web-site www.wyldehomes.com. BONUS, if you do not implement one or more recommendations, we will donate $20 to the Page 13

Parish Directory The Councils and Ministries of St. Bernard St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church

500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

The Finance Council – an advisory or consultative body to Telephone: (908)725-0552 Fax: (908)725-4524 the Pastor in matters pertaining to the ordinary and extraordinary Website: http://stbernardbridgewater.org / Also on Facebook matters of financial administration. The Council shares, with the Pastor, the responsibility for prudent administration of financial All emails are @stbernardbridgewater.org affairs and the formation of its policies and procedures in service to effective management of parish assets. The Parish Clergy

Rev. Msgr. Randall J. Vashon, Pastor - ext. 803, The Stewardship Council – provides a systematic way of Email: rvashon@... infusing the theology and practice of Stewardship into the life of Rev. Tholitho, Parochial Vicar - ext. 806, Email: tholitho@ the parish, identifying opportunities for members to exercise Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B. Weekend Assistant their gifts for the betterment of the parish and community. Mr. Patrick Cline, Deacon, Email: [email protected] Mr. Gerard Sims, Deacon, Email: [email protected] The Pastoral Council – devoted to prayer and the study of church documents and other sound resources, as well as parish The Parish Office (Email: [email protected]) centered reflection on that study; collaborates with the pastors, clergy and staff in the work of ministry. From the Pastoral Ms. Virginia (Ginny) Hayden, Office Mgr. & Council evolved five commissions and their ministries: Adm. Asst. to the Pastor - ext. 802, Email: ghayden@... Mr. Brian Curtis, Finance & Business Mgr. – ext. 821, Email: bcurtis@... Commission for Christian Service Mrs. Donna Blanton, Receptionist, Parish Registrar Appalachian Mission Pro-Life Awareness and Wedding Prep.– ext. 800, Email: dblanton@... Bereavement Ministry SHIP Mobile Soup Kitchen Mrs. Isabel Hart Bulletin Editor, Parish Blood Drive Social Concerns Collections Calendar and Website Management - ext. 818, Interfaith Hospitality Network Email: editor@...

Camilo Ramirez, Facilities Manager - ext. 819, Commission for Christian Community Email: maintenance@...

The Office of Catechetical Formation Doughnut Sunday Art & Gardening Ministry Office: 908-725-8915, Fax: 908-725-9949, Men’s Ministry Small Faith Community Email: [email protected] Parish Events Committee Young Builder’s Club Ms. Gretchen D’Angelo, Director – ext. 825, Email: Prayer Shawl Ministry Youth Basketball gdangelo@... Mrs. Mary Sullivan, Faith Formation Coordinator, Commission for Evangelization Grades 1-4 - ext. 811, Email: msullivan@... Mrs. Isabel Hart, Faith Formation Coordinator, Cursillo Retreat Ecumenical Board Grades 5-8 - ext. 810; Email: ihart@... Women’s Prayer Group Contemplative Prayer Group

The Office of Youth Ministry Commission for Liturgy and Worship

Sean O’Brien, Youth Ministry Leader, ext. 826 Altar Servers Email: sobrien@... Lighthouse - ext. 816 Adult Altar Servers Care Facility Visitation Ministry The Office of Liturgy and Sacred Music Children’s Liturgy of the Word Choir & Instrumental Readers Mrs. Christina Blalock, Director of Sacred Music - Eucharistic Ministers Right of Christian Initiation ext. 807, Email: cblalock@... Liturgical Environment Sacristan Ministers of Hospitality Visitors to the Homebound St. Bernard Cemetery and Mausoleums Commission for Catechetical Formation Office: 908-725-8305, Fax: 908-725-5566,

Email: [email protected] Adult Spirituality/Scripture Study Mr. Mark LaFleur, Cemetery Director, ext. 840 Baptism Preparation Mrs. Mary Beth Hansen, Admin. Assistant, ext. 841 Catechetical Formation Senior High Youth Group After Hours Emergency, Clergy: 908-227-1960 If you are interested in finding out more about a particular Bulletin articles are due no later than Noon Sunday for council, commission or ministry, please call the Parish Office. publication in the upcoming Sunday’s bulletin. Please submit article requests to Isabel Hart via email at editor@... or drop off in the Parish Office. Page 14

Welcome to the Parish Community of St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Parish Life at St. Bernard Sacramental Life at St. Bernard

Parish Membership Baptism

Welcome Newcomers! So that we might provide for all of Expectant and adoptive parents are required to attend your sacramental and pastoral needs, we would like to our Baptism preparation class. It is best to call the officially welcome and register you in the parish. If you Parish Office at least four months before your child’s haven’t already done so, please call the Parish Office to birth or in the case of adoption, upon completion of the begin your registration process or visit our parish website. adoption process.

Parishioners are reminded that we can best serve you if we The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults have accurate information in our Parish Census program. Please call the Parish Office with any changes in your Individuals who have never been baptized, baptized address, phone number, family status, etc. or if you notice Christians from other denominations, and baptized any misinformation in any correspondence you might Catholics who have never received the Sacraments of receive from us. first Eucharist and Confirmation, and who are interested in becoming full participants in the Catholic Catechetical Formation faith are invited to call the Parish Office to begin the

For Children, Grades 1-8: We are living stones, a com- Inquiry process. munity of disciples committed to sharing the beauty, good- ness and truth of our Catholic faith and accompanying our The Sacrament of Reconciliation children and families into deeper relationship with Jesus Saturday: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, or by appointment Christ and the vibrant, sacramental life of His Church. Our dedicated staff and volunteer catechists guide students to grow in knowledge and understanding of Sacred Scripture, The Celebration of the Eucharist the Liturgy, the Sacraments, prayer, works of mercy and Monday - Friday (Church): the lives of the saints, so that they may grow in holiness 8:00 AM & 12:10 PM and happiness. Please reach out to us to enroll your chil- (12:10 PM suspended in July and August) dren in faith formation classes or if you’d like to consider joining our ministry! [email protected] Saturday: 9:00 AM (Church); Vigil 5:15 PM

For Adults: Our dynamic team of volunteer facilitators Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM and host a broad range of opportunities to explore the richness 12:00 PM of our Catholic faith and the joy of a lived relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Check in with the Events Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:10 PM and page of our parish website for more information about 7:30 PM; Vigil 4:30 PM small groups forming for Bible studies, book and video series and other enriching programs for adults of all ag- The Celebration of Christian Marriage es. [email protected] Arrangements with the Church for a wedding should Youth Ministry be made approximately one year prior to the desired date. Participation in a Diocesan Pre-Cana program Our youth are an active part of our ministry here at St. will assist couples in their preparation for the Bernard. All high school teens are welcome to attend sacrament of Matrimony. Catholics who have been Tuesday youth group meetings in The Lighthouse, on the away from the Church and the Sacraments need to third floor of the Parish Center, from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. re-establish their Church and Sacramental life as a Please call Sean O’Brien at ext. 804 or email Sean at pre - requisite for marriage. [email protected] for details. Please join us! Sacrament of the Sick - Homebound

Young Builder’s Club at St. Bernard We encourage you to call the Parish Office to make

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