AUGUST 22, 2021

eternal life

2032 WESTFIELD AVENUE, SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ 07076 PHONE: (908) 322-5192 MASS SCHEDULE WWW.STBARTHOLOMEWCHURCH.ORG SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 4:00pm Confessions - Fr. Hanly PASTOR 5:00pm Vigil Mass - Fr. Hanly SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 Rev. John J. Paladino, K.H.S. 7:30am - Msgr. Guenther 9:00am - Fr. Ortiz 908.322.5192 ext. 114 10:30am - Fr. Paladino [email protected] Noon - Fr. Hanly

IN RESIDENCE OUR PARISH MISSION Rev. Msgr. Donald E. Guenther We, the Roman Catholic Community of Rev. A. Hanly St. Bartholomew the Apostle, are brought together by , as we recognize His presence among us in Word, Sacrament and DEACONS each other. Through the grace of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of the Blessed Deacon Matthew Gonzalez Mother, we accept Jesus’ invitation to be Deacon Robert Gurske His disciples by using our time, talent and Deacon Donald Hessemer treasure for the benefit of all. FROM THE DESK OF STORIES OF THE Fr. John Paladino Jesus gives Himself to the Father and to us completely, especially on the Cross and in the Eucharist.

“Choose; and choose wisely.” This phrasing could be from any modern adventure or superhero movie. It even sounds like something a gameshow host might say. Despite the levity with which these words are often uttered in the mainstream, for a Christian they are at the heart of discipleship: Parents offer them The passage read at Mass on the feast of Bartholomew is a as advice to children with regard to their decision-making and passage from John (1:45-51) where growing in virtue; Joshua gives it as a command; and Jesus Nathaniel is introduced to Jesus by demands we give an account – in other words, “decide what you his friend Phillip, and Jesus says of will do.” him "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him (1:47)." If it does not please you to serve the Lord, Joshua says to the tribes of Israel, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your Nathaniel is identified by Biblical fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites scholars as the apostle we know in whose country you are now dwelling. As for me and my as Bartholomew. We are presented with the Apostle's character in this household, we will serve the Lord. brief and beautiful dialogue with the Lord Jesus. He is a good Jew, This instruction from Joshua was given in the face of his honest and innocent, a just man, impending death. and he had brought the Israelites who devotes much time to quiet re- through the Exodus and into the Promised Land, always under flection and prayer - "under the fig the providential and merciful hand of God. God had promised to tree (1:48)" - and has been await- be faithful, and he had kept that promise. Now it was time for ing the Messiah, the Holy One of the people of the covenant to decide then and there who they God. Nathaniel responded "Rabbi, would be. you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel (1:49)!" Today’s Gospel is the conclusion of the Bread of Life Discourse in Being "a true child of Israel," Na- the sixth chapter of the . This is the fifth Sunday thaniel was a man well-read in the in a row where we have reflected in the Mass on just this one Scriptures and knew what they said chapter in the Gospel. No other chapter receives such attention of the Messiah and where he would in the Sunday liturgy. In this chapter, Jesus has walked on water come from. This is why he is skep- and fed thousands with the loaves and fishes. He has announced tical of Phillip's claim that Jesus is himself as the true bread sent down from heaven, and made it the Messiah, "Can anything good clear that those who do not eat his flesh and drink his blood will come out of Nazareth (1:46)?" not have eternal life. But Nathaniel was lacking "duplic- ity" - that is, his heart was undivid- This is where the crowds took issue with Jesus. This is where ed, his intentions pure - his open- they had to decide what they were going to do – whether they ness to reality was always ready would choose to continue following him or not. And, for the first to recognize and surrender to the and only time in any of the , some disciples chose to truth when he encountered it. He stop believing in Jesus and would follow him no further: This remained open to his friend Phillip's saying [about him being the bread of life] is hard, they said, who invitation to "Come and see (1:46)." can accept it? In encountering Jesus and hearing His words, he found himself face Do you also want to leave? Jesus asks the Apostles. Perhaps to face with the Truth Himself, and, he is asking the same thing of us. Jesus’ life is about servant like 's leap in his leadership and a total commitment to the fulfillment of the will mother's womb at the Lord's pres- of the Father. He gives himself to God and to us completely, ence, Nathaniel's words lept out of especially on the cross and in the Eucharist. In Jesus, there is no his own heart in a clear and simple room for self-doubt, a divided heart, or a lackluster effort. We confession of faith, "Rabbi, you are must give an account of our faith. To express our belief in ’s the Son of God! You are the King of Real Presence in the Eucharist, we come to the altar offering our Israel!" Amen to his Truth. Thus, it is the grace of the Eucharist that Jesus, in Matthew 5:8, says, "Blessed gives us the strength to say with Peter, Master, to whom shall we are the pure of heart, for they shall go? You have the words of eternal life. see God." In Nathaniel we have an example of the pure man who sees - recognizes - God when confront- ed with Him, and on seeing Him be- lieves in Him, and upon believing in Him, follows Him. 9/11 MASS OF REMEMBRANCE and Remembering those who died Knights and the families they left behind. 2021 Honoring First Responders. Dames Saturday, September 11 at 5pm Reverend John J. Paladino, K.H.S. at St. Bartholomew Pastor of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church cordially invites you to the As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, we will hold a spe- KNIGHTS & DAMES CELEBRATION cial Mass of Remem- honoring brance on Saturday, Sept. 11th at 5pm. A can- Sean McKenna dlelight vigil outside the Kevin & Maria Moloney Church will follow. Leonard Romano "Lord, to whom else Ted Schiller shall we go?" -Jn 6:68 Nicholas & Mary Schoendorf

For contributing to the life of our parish community ST. BART'S ITALIAN with gifts of time, talent and treasure. September 3-6, 2021 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 2:00pm Prayer Service in the Church 4:00pm Buffet Dinner Maplewood Country Club: 28 Baker Street, Maplewood, 07040

RSVP All RSVPs must be received by Friday, September 17, 2021. The feast celebration, honoring San Nicola di Bari, the of the town of Montazzoli, , is truly a great family event and has something Online By Mail for everyone to enjoy. There is nightly live music, rides, games, and great food, including favorites Return the slip below like pizza, pasta, zeppoles, clams, mussels, and with check payable to: calzones. In addition, there are nightly 50/50 drawings and a super 50/50 raffle on Monday. St. Bartholomew the 50/50 RAFFLE TICKET SALE Apostle Church 2032 Westfield Avenue, "Tickets for the Italian Festival Super 50/50 will membership.faithdirect. be available after Masses on 8/21 and 8/22. Tick- net/events/details/7371 Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 ets are $20 each and are also available in books of five for $100. Winners will be drawn on Mon- KNIGHTS AND DAMES RSVP FORM day, September 6th at the close of the festival. Name (Include last names of any guests) Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Rectory during normal office hours ______FEAST VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Phone Number ______Calling All Feast Volunteers! Interested in volunteering to work a game during our Labor Day Italian Amount enclosed: $ ______Festival? Sign-ups are officially open! Scan the QR Code to sign # of Adults at $75 per person: ______up or visit stbartholomewchurch. # of Children (under 12) at $35 per child: ______org/feast-volunteers to see all volunteer opportunities and to sign up. COMING THIS FALL...

All 1st – 6th-grade families are invited to participate in our new Emmaus Family Faith Formation initiative. As Catholics we know life is a beautiful mystery. Families will be invited to Now explore the depths of that mystery and attend one session a month what it means for you. Join small group studies which will run two and a half – in person or virtual – to watch and discuss The hours, beginning with Mass, Search, a new video program that explores life’s followed by a welcome and big questions. The Search discussion groups will introduction to the theme be held on Mondays beginning September 13 at for the month. Then we will 7pm and Tuesdays beginning September 14 at split up into age-appro- 1pm. To register, contact Pat Krema at pkrema@ priate groups for a deeper stbartholomewchurch.org. More details to come! dive into that topic. We will also break open our theme with all of our parents, providing skills to help support your families practically and in developing their faith at home. We will conclude as a large group with a fam- ily activity/experience. Registration is now available on our website on the Emmaus Faith Formation page.

Our new Ignite Confirmation preparation initiative seeks to inspire those preparing for The Sacrament of Confirmation. Ignite will help unpack the journey of faith, identify how the Spirit is at work in our lives and what it means to be a of Jesus Christ. This new initiative involves learning, sharing, serving, fellowship, spiritual growth, and fun! Confirmation is a two-year process open to anyone in 7th grade or older.

FAITH FORMATION SCHEDULE All Grades, including Communion+Confirmation

First Communion families meet at 9-11:30am. Confirmation groups meet at 4-6:30pm. All other families may choose a time slot which they will maintain throughout the year for all six sessions. Each family is required to attend six sessions. Please visit our website to register. Schedule A Schedule B Time (Confirmation 2) (Confirmation 1) Slots As a high school student, you may be won- Oct. 3 Oct. 17 dering why you should join Youth Group at 9am - 11:30am Nov. 14 Nov. 21 St. Bartholomew. In past years, the mem- Jan. 9 Jan. 23 12pm - 2:30pm bers have offered that it was a great place Feb. 13 Feb. 27 to make new friends, grow closer to God, Mar 6 Mar 20 4pm - 6:30pm understand their faith better, and learn that April 3 April 24 they are not alone in their fears, anxiety, and interests. Of course, this was all done VOLUNTEERS NEEDED through conversation, laughing, games, and prayer. Join us for our last summer Volunteers are needed to help as small group leaders, gathering before we start our new year in aides, hall monitors, hospitality, and the set up team. September. On August 31st, 6-7pm behind Please visit the Faith Formation tab on our website for the Church, come and meet our adults and the sign-up link. teen leaders, as well as some of our mem- bers. Proverbs 13:20 - Whoever walks with CONTACT US the wise becomes wise, but the compan- Steven Serafin (Pastoral Associate) ion of fools will suffer harm. [email protected] FOR INFO, CONTACT JENNIFER RYAN: Carla Kelly (Director of Confirmation) [email protected] [email protected] MassSUNDAY, AUGUST Intentions 22 7:30am Amparco Casio Buenconsejo req. by William Shore Leo F. Leick req. by Kathy & Dan Chokel PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK 9:00am Robert "Bob" Kruthers Edilberto Agaton Jr. Elizabeth Barker req. by SP Rescue Squad Benedicto Francesca Cafolla Thomas Breznitsky Rina Conti Nancy DeCristofaro req. by Alex & Rosanna Passucci Kathleen "Kay" Duff Tami Eddy 10:30am Angelo D'Amico req. by Laura Del Negro & Family Palmiro Ferraro Emma Lara Peloso Angelo Nadine Martinson Peter Morgan req. by Emilio & Ersilia DiFrancesco Andrea Muñoz James Pettit Noon Anna Knapp Kenneth Quigley Richard Quigley req. by Pat & Steve Goldberg Patricia Uber Maureen Vincent Luke Mineo Dolores Waltsak Melinda Williams req. by the Ruzek Family MONDAY, AUGUST 23 Franca Zingariello Joe Zingariello 6:30am Robert Reimers req. by Joyce Noble Lord, hear our prayer. 8:30am Cynthia Screeton Please Note: req. by her Loving Parents For privacy reasons and HIPAA regulations, names may only TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 be added by members of the immediate family after they have received permission of the one who is sick. 6:30am Lena A. Colangelo req. by the Fung a Fat Family In the event of serious illness or hospitalization, the rectory should be notified. Visits to the sick and shut-ins are made 8:30am Bob Kruthers by the priests, deacons and ministers of the Eucharist. It is req. by Pat Kane not necessary for someone to be “gravely ill” to receive the WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. 6:30am Leonard Krema req. by the Boruch Family WELCOMED HOME BY GOD 8:30am Michael Lotto Our sympathy and prayers are extended to the families of req. by Tom Otchy Alphonse Fantini | Margaret "Peggy" Guenther THURSDAY, AUGUST 26 6:30am Remedios S. Adonacion req. by the Silya Family Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. 8:30am Louis Dicellis req. by Deacon Bob Gurske FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENTS 6:30am Joan Haggerty req. by the Haggerty Family Baptism 8:30am Mrs. Eileen McGoynn req. by Frank & Geraldine Inman Baptisms are celebrated throughout the month on SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 Saturdays and Sundays. First-time parents are required 8:30am Margaret Sylvester to complete Baptismal Preparation. Registration in req. by Linda & Gene Porco advance is required. Please call 908.322.5192. 5:00pm Tony Della Ventura req. by Guido & Barbra Passucci Anna Knapf Reconciliation req. by George & Theresa Flood Confession is offered every Saturday at 4pm or call the SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 rectory to schedule an appointment. 7:30am Margaret Sylvester req. by the Erbafina Family Brian Flynn Marriage req. by the Bowman Family Archdiocesan policy requires that arrangements be 9:00am Maria Rosaria Agosta (1st Anniversary) made with a parish priest or deacon as soon as the req. by Ron & Sandra Malenky Frank DiLollo engagement is announced. req. by the Erbafina Family 10:30am Gerald W. Murphy req. by his Loving Wife & Family RCIA: RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS Guiseppe Fantini req. by Laura & Roberto Sorge AND BECOMING CATHOLIC Noon Donna Fantini The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults introduces req. by Al Fantini & Loving Family adults to the Catholic faith and tradition, as well Charo Urquiza as prepares adults for the sacraments of Baptism, req. by Maritza deJunco Confirmation, and Eucharist, If you would like to Special Intentions: learn more about becoming Catholic or receiving the ALTAR CANDLES sacraments at our parish, please contact Pat Krema: In Memory of Bienvenido Valencia [email protected]. We are happy to req. by Ramon & Myrna Lao accompany you on your journey of faith! 6 Supporting Our Parish EASY ONLINE GIVING WITH FAITH DIRECT Streamline your offertory and simplify your support for St. Bartholomew the Apostle as we continue serve our parish- ioners and those in need throughout the community. Now is a great time to make the switch to eGiving – you can sign up from your computer, smartphone or tablet, and set up a recurring donation or make a one-time gift. Sign up today by visiting faith.direct/NJ844, or text ‘Enroll’ to 908-324- 5627.Thank you for your continued support of our parish!

STEWARDSHIP of TREASURE | Aug. 15, 2021 PARISH OFFICE DIRECTORY Envelope Collection: $ 8,660 908.322.5192 Faith Direct: $ 9,594 Email: [email protected] Total: $18,254 Web: www.stbartholomewchurch.org Thank you for your support! ACADEMY OFFICE: 908.322.4265 [email protected] SUPPORT ST. BART'S RELIGIOUS ED OFFICE: 908.322.2359 WHEN YOU SHOP ON AMAZON! [email protected] St. Bartholomew's has partnered with Amazon Smile. Please remember that while you shop consider using Office Hours: smile.amazon.com. The Amazon Smile Foundation will Monday-Tuesday 8:30am-6:00pm donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to our Wednesday-Friday: 8:30am-3:00pm church. It's no additional cost to you! Choose St. Bar- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00am-2:00pm tholomew Church via this link: https://smile.amazon. com and start shopping! Thank you for your support. STEVEN SERAFIN Pastoral Associate [email protected] | ext. 112 PAUL MILAN Available Services MASS AVAILABLE ON TV & ONLINE! Director of Liturgy & Music [email protected] | ext. 260 For the home bound Parishioner, tune in on Sundays PATRICIA KREMA at 10am to watch Mass. Comcast channel 34 or Verizon channel 22. Watch the Mass livestream on our website and Coordinator of Liturgy & Adult Faith Formation Facebook page on Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 9am. [email protected] | ext. 126 BRIANA QUIGLEY Director of Communications COUNSELING SERVICES AVAILABLE [email protected] | ext. 130 If you are an individual, a couple or a family that is experiencing CATHERINE ZIOBRO difficulties, there are counseling services available to you. All calls are confidential. Fees can be adjusted to one’s Community Outreach Coordinator financial situation. Please note, that no one will be turned [email protected] | ext. 108 away for an inability to pay. Counselors available to you: CARLA KELLY Director of Confirmation Barbara Stumm-Gray, Ed.S. | 908.232.0893 [email protected] Ochs, LPC | 732.221.6673 JENNIFER RYAN Dina Brue, LCSW | 646.643.5345 Director of Youth Ministry Laura Otchy, MS, Ed.S. LPC | 973.580.5930 [email protected] SANDRA CARROLL Safe Environment Director [email protected] | ext. 135 Stay Connected! CINDY PITONZO FOLLOW US ON JOIN OUR Business Manager SOCIAL MEDIA FLOCKNOTE [email protected] | ext. 129 for daily inspiration and to receive our weekly KATHY KOBLISKA all the latest parish news newsletter & stay plugged Office Manager and updates! in to all your favorite parish [email protected] | ext. 100 groups and ministries! DENNIS WEISS St. Bart Church Facilities Manager Scan the QR code or visit [email protected] @stbartholomew_ stbartschurch. PAULETTE CORONATO | JOSEPH DILLON church flocknote.com Parish Trustees to join!