90 Church Street Cecilia Parish Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

Parish Office: 973-627-0313 Website: st-cecilia.org Fax: 973-627-4811 To Contact: Fr. Zig: Ext. 12 or [email protected] Fr. Cerilo: Ext 14 or [email protected]—Fr. Matt: Ext 15 or [email protected] School: 973-627-6003 CCD Office: 973-627-0313 Ext. 17

Rev. Sigmund Peplowski MASSES PASTOR Weekends Rev. Cerilo Javinez Saturday: 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm PAROCHIAL VICAR Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:15 am

Rev. Mateusz Darlak 10:45 am and 12:15 pm PAROCHIAL VICAR 5:00 pm (Vietnamese)

Deacon Paul Willson Holydays Vigil 4:30 pm Seminarian Angel Torres 6:30 am, 8:00 am & 7:00 pm

Mrs. Janet Maulbeck Weekday Schedule: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Monday - Friday and YOUTH PROTECTION/ 6:30 am & 8:00 am SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR Saturday 8:00 am followed by Novena Mr. James Clancy DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION Confessions Saturdays 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY

Mrs. Ann Mitchell All Catholic Churches in the United States require from and 6:30 pm Any time by appointment PRINCIPAL Catholics serving as a Godparent for Baptism or a sponsor

for Confirmation a certificate of eligibility. This document

Mrs. Diane Boykow certifies that the Godparent/sponsor is a registered member

of the parish, attends Holy Mass, approaches the sacra- CEMETERY ADMINISTRATOR Susan Brennan ments regularly and contributes to the support of the TRUSTEE Mr. Charles Linnell Church via the Sunday offering envelope program or “Parish Pay”. It is the responsibility of the individual to James Gallagher MUSIC DIRECTOR meet these requirements as listed in the Code of Canon TRUSTEE Law , #874.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM PARISH PRAYER LIFE A Pre-Baptismal Class is held the third Monday of each NOVENA: OUR LADY OF THE month at 7:00 pm in the parish office. To register for the AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA class, please call 973-627-0313 . Both parents are encour- Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass aged to attend the class before the birth of the baby. The BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday @ 9:30 am, Monday Night Bible Study Sacrament of Baptism is administered weekly at the 12:15 @ 7:30 pm, Mommy Bible Study @ 9:30 am on Thursdays pm Mass and a Baptismal Ceremony at 1:30 pm. Families CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP are required to be active, contributing parishioners of St. Tuesday evenings at 7:45 pm (Hayes Hall ) Cecilia’s Parish for 2 months prior to the child’s baptism PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: 3rd Wed. @ 7:00 pm (PO) date. HOLY HOUR : Monday @ 7:00 pm SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY ADULT FAITH FORMATION RCIA : Sunday @ 9:00 am for Arrangements are to be made at least ONE YEAR in ad- children & parents, 11:45 am for adults (PO) vance. The date should not be set until the priest has ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Monday through Sat. @ 7:30 am been consulted. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Urgent calls will be attended to at any time of the day or night. If there is anyone at home or in the hospital who Parish Office Hours cannot get to Mass and the Sacraments because of illness Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or old age, please inform one of the priests or call the Friday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm Parish Office. Closed for lunch: 12:00 to 1:00 Page 2 May 12, 2019 4th Sunday of Easter ST. CECILIA CHURCH COLLECTION GOALS Week Ending : May 5th, 2019 Collection—Checks $ 3,099.00 Collection– Cash $ 8,296.50 Monday, May 13, Our Lady of Fatima WeShare Electronic Giving $ 2,734.59 6:30 am—Special Intention for World Peace Total Weekly Collection $ 14,130.09 8:00 am—John & Margaret Holleran Tuesday, May 14, , Apostle Yearly Collection Goal (BUDGET) $ 839,000.00 6:30 am—Thomas Boykow Weekly Goal $ 15,196.08 8:00 am—Jay Bartolotta, 1st Anv., req. by Scherm Family Wednesday, May 15, Saint Isidore Weekly Collection Surplus (Deficit) $ (1,065.99) 6:30 am—Holy Souls in Purgatory Year To Date Surplus (Deficit) $ (20,281.26) 8:00 am— Frances Davino Thursday, May 16, Easter Weekday 6:30 am—Special Intention for the sick THE WORD OF GOD 8:00 am—Mary Reynolds 54: Acts 14:21-27 Ps 145:8-13 Rv 221:1-5a Friday, May 17, Easter Weekday Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35 6:30 am—For Protection of the babies in the womb and their families 8:00 am—Emma & George Boykow req. by Family Saturday, May 18, Saint John I, and Martyr The Sanctuary Candle burning on our altar 8:00 am— Margaret Desmond req. by Carol & Frank Desmond this week is in loving memory of Sunday, May 19, Fifth Sunday of Easter Sharp 4:30 pm—Protection of the babies in the worm & their families req. by Jean Asti Requested by Family 7:00 pm—Ruben Lorenzo, First Anniversary req. by the Lorenzo Family Vincent Miele req. by Michele & Thomas Vairo 8:00 am—Pasquale, Fasto, & Giosepina req. by Adelina Philipp Cables req. by Naomi & Steve Drabik 9:15 am—Helena Piechota req. by daughters Andrea Kimble req. by the Naclerio Family 10:45 am—Joe Koller req. by wife & Family Theadora Letsch req. by Rene & Moira Vedder 12:15 pm—Eva Dunn req. by Theresa Ertle Judith Criaris req. by the Rosary Society

The people of St. Cecilia Parish are asked to pray for the following people serving our country in the armed services: SmE3 Andrew Clifford, Sgt. Aleksandr Killeen, Giannetti US Navy, Lance Corporal Dennis Wuest, Capt. Kel- ley E. Robbins, Pvt USMC, Diego Usma, Major Glenn E. Martinez, Sgt. Brian Whalen, Capt. Anthony Odierno, Cpl. Kong V. Nguyen, Cpl. Jim Van Valen, LCPL Anthony Eres- man, Sgt. Paul J. Willson, PFC Cano Janeth, Sgt. Bob Ethan Chandra, Dean Wayne Campbell, Doris Cusick, Carol Centonze, Jane Autrey, Col. William Paliwada, Sgt 1st Class (E7) Sam Co- Gorcica, Sam Sessa, Hank Brown, Carol Ferrante, Jim Golden, Karen lon, PFC Marylyn Rivera-Sachez, Cpl. Edward C. Thomp- Niles, Noel Wadleigh, Joanna Sacco, David Cicchine, Teresa son, Major Kevin M. Nash, Lt. Amy Cronin, Col. John L. D’Atria, Derek Bascharow, Debbie Malc, Grace McDermott, Joe Medeiros, Jr., Sgt. Daniel Healy, Marine Keith Leitner, Sgt. Horvath, Jr., Elvira Bugaoan, Owen Peter Byrne, Tia Maddaloni, Spencer Lopez, PFC Taryn Kemp, Jeffrey Braunhausen, E7 Mason Walker Steussing, Susan Mejia, Derek Bascharow, Isabel Joseph Grimsey, Bill Maloney, Greg Bloete, Gian Carlo Rattay, Donna Cooke, Tom Hull, Kathleen Fazio, Kristin Wich, Kyle Bruzzese, Spc. Christopher Little, PFC Brittany Martindell, Johnson, Kate Darlington, Jake Miraldi, Cheryl Anne Borne- PO1 (E6) Matthew Fitzgerald, SA Justin C. White, Matthew mann, Sean Nolan, Maryann Hughes, Peggy Eileen Miars, Ray & Daniel Rosica, Mark Leonard, Sr. Armn. Ashley Valetta, Kennedy, Richard Corcoran, Madison Rose Leslie, Demetrius Sgt. John Wisnofsky, Cpl. T.J. Finn, Sgt. Kristopher Faber, Barbee, Lucille Bardi, Frances Finn, Dorothy Murray, Virginia Cous- Capt. Vincent Presto, Airman First Class William Kussler , ins, Madlyn Long. Stephanie Lewis, Kimberly Dugan, Gale Sessa, Spc. Gregory Villaneuva and Cpl Casey W. Lyness . We ask Marguerite Buggy, Mike Murray, Helene Turner, Michael Turner, Ruben Lorenzo, Michael Alvarez., Mina Simmons-Jones, Joe Maul- God the Father of us all, through the intercession of St. Mi- beck, Mary Merz, Dolores Faulkner, Marion Cables, Patricia Smith chael the , to protect all the men and women in our Schulman, Vincent Fortunato, Joyce Turner, Tom Cummiskey, Den- Armed Forces, to bless them in their efforts toward bringing nis O’Brien, Steven Simmons, Ariel, James DiStaiso, Marty Mackin, peace and justice to our world. May they be brought back Annette Esposito, Brian Bosworth. safely to those they love. 580-St. Cecilia Page 3 May 12, 2019 4th Sunday of Easter

PARISH EVENTS COME WITH ME TO ITALY – I invite you to join me on a visit to Rome and the Amalfi Coast of Italy, September 5- FROM THE PASTOR: I would like to share with you 14. A wonderful trip to beautiful Italy has been prepared by some information which was recently conveyed to me by the Collette Travel Company. Highlights of the trip are: Rome, Rockaway Borough Police Department. Please be advised Montecassino, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii and that the turning of Church Street into a ONE WAY Naples. We will visit a winery, a buffalo milk mozzarella STREET is done only for Saturday from 4-9 pm and Sunday factory, the National Archaelogical museum and more. For from 6:30 am—1:30 pm. This is the only time the ordinance additional information please contact me or Janet in the par- allows for the ONE WAY STREET. I have been in dialogue ish office. Seats are still available for this breath-taking trip! with the police department to add additional days (holy days, – Father Zig Ash Wednesday, Christmas, etc.) to the ordinance since I am regularly informed by parishioners and visitors to our church regarding the side swiping of cars resulting in body damage and side mirrors being destroyed. Church Street is a county SAVE THE DATE—MAY 19th— road and any adjustment to the ordinance must be done on 1:30 pm the county level. I am pursing this matter on the county The Sacred Heart Women’s Society level! I advise you to please use caution as you park on will host a Rosary Tea to honor our Church Street. Please do not park in the ONE WAY Blessed Mary with the Rosary STREET fashion during the week since the one way is only at St. Francis in Denville. The cost enforced on Saturday and Sunday at the above stated times. will be $20 per person. More details In addition, I invite you, especially the elderly, to take ad- to follow in the bulletin the weekend vantage of the parking spots near the rectory which have the of May 5th. signs “Clergy Parking Only.” These are available for you to use. Please obey all traffic and parking regulations, as Bus Ride to , Stockbridge, MA well as being courteous as you enter and leave our church property. I appreciate your cooperation! St. Virgil's Church of Morris Plains is sponsoring a bus Fr. Zig ride to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massa- chusetts, on Friday, June 14. Bus transportation and a box lunch will be provided for $45. Bus leaves at 9am and returns at 8pm. Contact our Parish Secretary at 973- PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: The Saint Padre Pio 538-1418 or [email protected]. We hope you Prayer Group will meet on Wednesday evening, May 15th, will join us! at 7 o’clock in the parish office for devotions and prayer meeting.

Please visit the kiosk in the vestibule of the church to pur- BAPTISM CLASS – A meeting of all those wishing infor- chase this CD and others that are available for $4.00. mation and scheduling for a baptism will meet on Monday evening, May 20th in the Parish office at 7 o’clock in the evening. Father will be present to conduct the ST. CECILIA SENIOR CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS information session and answer questions regarding the cele- bration of the sacrament. Please be advised that all the “Senior Events” are open to everyone 55 and over from St. Cecilia & Sacred Heart Parishes! HEALING MASS No meeting, Tuesday, May 21st For all who are in need of healing; spiritual, physical, men- Sands Casino—May 14th—Price $30 (incl. $25 slot) tal or emotional, there will be a Healing Mass on Saturday, For reservations call Lorraine @ 973-366-6871 May 18th at 11:00 am sponsored by the Christian Care Regular Meeting—June 4th & June 18th Committee. All are invited to attend. Mohegan Sun Casino—June 11th Shawnee Playhouse—Guys & Dolls—June 27th $64.00 for members. Info call Carol: 973.537.5529 St. Cecilia Cemetery News: SAVE THE DATE: September 3-8 Motorcoach trip to beautiful Island of Coudres Our CRUCIFIX PAVER PROJECT FOR SPRING is & Quebec City, Canada includes guided tours plus a visit now open for those who wish to purchase a memorial to St. Ann DeBeaupre Shrine. All breakfasts & dinners paver on the walkway to the Crucifix Shrine. Please see included. For more info call Carol @ 973.537.5529. the order form in the parish bulletin and/or the parish office. 580-St. Cecilia Page 4 May 12, 2019 4th Sunday of Easter

FATIMA CELEBRATION: The feast of Our Lady of Fatima BEWARE: Its come to our attention that some will be celebrated on Monday, May 13th with a candlelight pro- people have received “scam” emails from Fr. Zig cession to the outdoor statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary located or one of the priests. Please know these mes- in the front of our church. The service will begin at 7:00 with the sages are fake that are requesting “favors”, Rosary. Holy Hour and confessions will not take place on this “money” or “gift cards”. Should you have any evening. questions, please call the parish office at 973-627 -0313. Do not reply to these emails. DIOCESAN MAY CROWNING: The diocesan crowning of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary will take place on Sunday, May 19th, at 3:30 in the Cathedral of Saint in Paterson. Free parking is available in the municipal garage adja- The Feminine Genius Project: A prayer and discussion cent to the Cathedral on Grand and Main Streets. ministry for mothers. We will meet every first and third Saturday morning (6:30—8:00 am) in the St. Cecilia par- ish office for grace & coffee. We hope that this gives Assisted suicide now law in NJ; cardinal calls it “morally each of us the spiritual recharge we need through prayer, unacceptable’ - Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark called group discussion, and time with Christ in the Blessed Sac- New Jersey’s new law allowing assisted suicide regrettable, rament in order to serve our families, our communities, saying “whatever its motives and means,” it is “morally unac- and our Lord Jesus better. This group serves mothers ceptable. Every gift of human life is sacred, from conception with school-aged children. Babysitting is not provided. to natural death, and the life and dignity of every person must This time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship is reserved be respected and protected at every stage and in every condi- for mothers only. tion,” the cardinal said in a statement April 12, the day Democ- Any questions, please reach out to Armi Clancy / Beth ratic Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Medical Aid in Dying for Mainardi ([email protected]) the Terminally Ill Act, effective Aug. 1. “Those whose lives are diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or disabled persons should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.” Cardinal Tobin said. Under the new law, which ATTENTION MEN – A men’s group called FATHERS goes against the ’s fundamental teaching on OF ST. JOSEPH will be meeting every other Saturday the sanctity of all human life, adults who receive a terminal morning at 5:30 a.m. in the St. Cecilia Office Building. diagnosis would be allowed to obtain self administered medi- The Fathers of St. Joseph gatherings are not so much cation to end their lives. Murphy is Catholic. It passed the meetings as they are mini retreats, whose aim is to com- Assembly 41-33 and the Senate 21-16 March 25. As the meas- municate the spirituality of fatherhood in a manner that ure awaited Murphy’s signature, pro-life groups and other op- ponents urged state residents to contact the governor and ask encourages and inspires fathers to embrace, engage and – him not to sign the bill into law. by the power of the Holy Spirit – sanctify their vocation.

Vocations Discernment for young men 15-25. “Quo Vadis – Where are you going?” Where is the Spirit acting in your life? Where is the Lord encouraging you to go? Quo Vadis Days is a time of recreation, fellowship, and prayer to help you explore the Lord’s call in your life. Activities will include prayer, Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, games, sports, talks, great food, and discus- sions. It is a time to share our faith and meet other young SAVE THE DATE- The combined Sacred Heart and St. men seeking God’s will. Quo Vadis Days will be held June 26- Cecilia Parish Picnic is planned for June 2 at Fireman's 28, 2019 at the Saint Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center in Morris- Field. The picnic will start with a mass at 12:15 PM at the town, New Jersey. There is no cost. For more information field and run to around 5 PM. If anyone wishes to volunteer and/or registration, contact the coordinators Fr. Edgar Rivera to help out please call the parish office or Jim Gallagher at and David Monteleone in the Vocations Office at (973) 777- 973-366-9699. Further announcements will be made closer to 8818, ext. #711, by email: [email protected] and the date. [email protected] Volunteers needed for the Parish Picnic to be held June 2 at Fireman's Field. We can use help in many MASS CARDS areas - set up, clean up, kitchen, cooking, baking and We are asked to pray for the dead. The best way to do this is kids games. If can help our please contact the parish to have a mass celebrated in memory of a loved one. office or call Jim Gallagher (973-366-9699). Stop in or call the Parish Office 973-627-0313 ~Offering $15.00~ 580-St. Cecilia Page 5 May 12, 2019 4th Sunday of Easter DIVINE MERCY ACADEMY NEWS

Divine Mercy Academy is now accepting applications for the Monday, May 13 2019-2020 school year. Divine Mercy Academy is located at 7:00 pm—Fatima Celebration (Church) 87 Halsey Ave, Rockaway, 973.627.6003. We offer a safe, 7:30 pm—Monday Night Bible Study (Hayes Hall) secure & compassionate environment with a high level of indi- Tuesday, May 14 vidualized attention; certified teachers; weekly liturgies & 9:30 am—Bible Study (Hayes Hall) daily Religion class; academic curriculum with all core sub- 7:00 pm—Education Council Meeting (DMA) jects; STEM; physical education; music; art; Spanish & li- 7:45 pm—Charismatic Prayer Group (Church brary, with technology integrated throughout the curriculum. Wednesday, May 15 Before-care, after-care, and extracurricular activities are avail- 7:00 pm—Padre Pio Prayer Group (Parish Office) able. Full Day & half day Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 programs starting Thursday, May 16 at $2510/year; Full day Kindergarten through 8th grade tuition 8:30 am—Parish Office Closes at noon today rates as follows: 1 child: $5200; 2 children $8500; 3 children 9:30 am—Mommy Bible Study (Parish Office) or more: $10,300 per year. Come see the difference an aca- 7:00 pm—Faith Formation (Hayes Hall) demically excellent Catholic education makes! Friday, May 17 7:00 pm—Divine Mercy Academy School Play (Gym) Faith Formation - 2019-2020—Registration is now open for Saturday, May 18 the below programs. Registration forms and details are avail- 8:30 am—St. Monica Guild Meeting (HH) able on the parish website or by stopping into the parish of- 11:00 am—Healing Mass (Church) fice. In person registration will be available on Tuesday, May 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Divine Mercy Academy. Forms 1:00 pm—Divine Mercy Academy School Play (Gym) can be submitted directly to the parish office before or after the 7:00 pm—Divine Mercy Academy School Play (Gym) May 7th registration. Sunday, May 19 Please contact Jim Clancy with any questions. StCe- 8:00 am—St. Monica Guild Bake Sale (Hayes Hall) [email protected] 9:15 am—Children’s Liturgy (Hayes Hall) K-6th Grade Traditional CCD (Sundays from 10:30-11:30) 2:30 pm—Divine Mercy Academy School Play (Gym) 7th-9th Grade Confirmation Prep (Tuesdays from 7:00- 8:00) Generations of Faith - (Fridays from 6:30-8:15) Divine Mercy Academy Presents: Aladdin and his Wonderful Magical Lamp Friday, May 17th @ 7:00 pm Saturday, May 18th @ 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm Sunday, May 19th @ 2:30 pm Open seating for all performances! Tickets available at the door! $7 for adults; $6 for students & seniors

Church Roof Project: WE DID IT!! I would like to Respect Life Corner thank all those who contributed to the church roof repair Baby Bottle Boomerang Fundraiser fund. Our goal was $25,000 and we raised over $27,000. During Mother’s Day weekend, May 11th & 12th, the Rockaway The roof repairs have been completed. The re-pointing of Catholic Respect Life Ministry in partnership with Divine Mercy the chimney will begin shortly and the installation of a Academy, is sponsoring a fundraiser to benefit several Crisis Preg- cross atop the cupola is being determined by the engineer. nancy Centers and the Rockaway Catholic Respect Life Ministry. On If it is possible to erect the cross, a donor has come forth Mother’s Day Weekend, we will distribute the baby bottles which we for this project. I am most grateful to all of you for your are asking you to fill with your spare coins or donations, and then to love and support of our parish. God Bless You—Fr. Zig return them to St. Cecilia Church on the weekends of May 18th & 19th, and May 25th & 26th but no later than the weekend of June 1st & 2nd. A crib will be placed in the church foyers on those weekends, into which you may deposit the filled bottles. Checks should be made MASSES BEING OFFERED—Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish payable to St. Cecilia Church noting in the memo line that it is for the on East Main Street is offering the following Masses each Baby Bottle Boomerang Fundraiser. Your participation and generos- ity in this very worthwhile endeavor is greatly appreciated. At all month: POLISH MASS on the second Sunday of every other times you may drop the bottles off at the Parish Office. We ask month at 11:30 a.m. and LATIN MASS IN THE EX- that you return all of the bottles whether or not they have been used. TRAORDINARY FORM on the third Sunday of every Thank you! month at 12 noon. 580-St. Cecilia Page 6 May 12, 2019 4th Sunday of Easter

My Dear Parishioners,

We gather on the Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate the Lord’s Day. This Sunday is traditionally called “Good Shepherd Sunday” because a portion on John’s Gospel, chapter 10 is read annually on the Third Sunday of Easter. Today’s periscope is very short but filled with Jesus’ promise of eternal life for the sheep He has in His embrace. In the reading from Acts of the Apostles we find Paul and calling all to the flock of Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike. The Gentiles in particular respond enthusiastically to the shepherds’ invitation, “The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord con- tinued to spread through the whole region.” One of the most popular Psalms is number 23 which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd…” It is filled with comfort and hope for eternal life. The image of Christ the Good Shepherd has been part of Christian iconography from the beginning. The cata- combs of ancient Rome bear witness to this as this image can be found there to this day. Jesus, the victor over death, is the Savior who leads us to eternal life in the joy of heaven. This image is presented to us in today’s second reading from the Book of Revelation. In Heaven we see the slain Lamb of God, Christ the Savior, exalted and adored by peoples “…from every na- tion, race, people and tongue.” The month of May is dedicated in honor of the Mother of God and Ever Virgin Mary. She is our heavenly Mother who was given to us by Jesus as He hung upon the Cross. She is the one who intercedes for us before her Son. I invite you to honor her on Monday evening as we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima by praying the Rosary at 7 o’clock. We also pay tribute to all moms on this MOTHERS DAY. Mothers are crucial in every family. Their loving and nurturing role brings life and joy to every family. A mother’s sacrificial service to her family is a sign of God’s love for us. To all mothers, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY – MAY CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD RICHLY BLESS YOU WITH GOOD HEALTH, JOY, PEACE, LONG LIFE AND ALL THE GRACES WHICH COME FROM ABOVE!

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Father Zig

ST. DYMPHNA, Virgin & Martyr The Same Day—May 15—Patroness of the Mentally Ill

ST. DYMPHNA was born in the 7th century. Her father, Damon, a chieftain of great wealth and power, was a pagan. Her mother was a very beautiful and devout Christian. Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Damon is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his own and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter. Dymphna fled from her castle together with St. Gerebran, her confessor, and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that the priest’s head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter to return to Ireland with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium.

PRAYER Hear us, O God, our Savior, as we honor St. Dymphna, patron of those afflicted with mental and emotional illness. Help us to be inspired by her example and comforted by her merciful help. Amen Taken from, Lives of the ; Catholic Booking Publishing Company, 1999, New Jersey

580-St. Cecilia 90 Church Street Saint Cecilia Parish Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

Parish Office: 973-627-0313 internet: www.st-cecilia.org FAX: 973-627-4811 To Contact: Fr. Zig, Ext. 12 or [email protected]

School: 973-627-6003 CCD Office: 973-627-0313 Ext. 17