“God is rich in mercy, onday—Friday: 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m. because of His boundless love for us.” Ephesians 2:4 tells us God’s Saturday: 9:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m. love knows no boundaries and neither does St. Mary of the Lakes. Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. New parishioners, regardless of where they live, are welcome and encouraged to register at our parish. Registration forms are available at the doors of the church, in the parish office, and on our Reverend Daniel F. Swift, Pastor, [email protected] website at smlparish.org. Click on contact us/registration. Reverend Carlos A. Florez, Parochial Vicar, [email protected] Deacon Ken Motylinski Confessions are heard on Satur- Deacon Timothy R. Collins days after 9:00 a.m. Mass and at 4:30 p.m. You may also call the Deacon Joseph Tedeschi parish office to make an appointment for a different time. Susan B. Kraemer, Business Administrator Christine Brandt, Pastoral Associate Please call the parish office anytime or Jean E. Hoover, School Principal speak to one of the priests after Mass. MaryPat Scordato, Director of Religious Education Sister Regina McCalla, SSJ, Liturgy/Music Coordinator Baptisms are celebrated on the second Linda Xerri, Parish Youth Minister and fourth Sundays of the month. Parents must attend a Baptism Georgiana Francisco, Minister of Evangelization and Marketing Preparation Session prior to their child’s Baptism. Sponsors also are Harry Meshirer, Parish Bookkeeper encouraged to attend. Call the parish office (609) 654-8208, Ext. 110 as early as possible to make the necessary arrangements. Nancy Finan, Candace Corrado, Administrative Assistants William P. Kiernan, Michael Maher, Parish Trustees Congratulations to our engaged

couples. Call (609) 654-8208, Ext. 117 to make arrangements for your wedding. We suggest you call at least a year in advance. Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

If you or someone you know is considering becoming a Catholic Christian or if you were baptized Website Address: http://www.smlparish.org Catholic but never received First Communion and/or Confirmation, Email Address: [email protected] call (609) 654-8208, Ext.113. There are no tests to pass or fail. Facebook: www.facebook.com/smlparish There is only faith to give and share. School Website: http://www.smlschool.org Knights of Columbus: http://www.Medfordknights.org Every Thursday after 9:00 a.m. Mass, concluding with Benediction at 7:00 p.m.

Parish Office 40 Jackson Road 654-8208 Ext.110 The Sacraments are available to anyone con- Parish Health Ministry 654-8208 Ext.610 fined to home or institution. Please contact the parish office if you know anyone who is unable to get to church. St. Mary of the Lakes School 196 Route 70 654-2546 Ext.210 Parish Religious Education 196 Route 70 654-2546 Ext.310 Parish Youth Minister 40 Jackson Road 654-2546 Ext.111 St. Vincent de Paul 1 Jones Road 953-0021

Please pray for the soul of Edward Callan Saturday September 24 and keep his family in your prayers. 5:30 p.m. Joanne MaGrann—Her mother and brother

Sunday September 25 Long-term prayer requests (those 7:30 a.m. Margaret Jefferies—The Clancy Family 9:00 a.m. Al Tumolillo—Society of St. Vincent de Paul over a year old) will not be 10:30 a.m. Joseph Ambrico—Mr. and Mrs. Louis published individually, but will be DiVentura prayed for at each Mass, as will 12:00 p.m. Tiel Ewing—Society of St. Vincent de Paul the following: Joseph Aromando, Sr., Carmela Bonfrisco, 6:00 p.m. For Our Parishioners Elaine Boshko, Jane Branin, Mark Bricker, Bruce Bunning, Monday September 26 Donna Burtis, Sr. Cathryn Byrne, Michael Codianni, Brooke 7:15 a.m. Jerry Cloud—The Jobes Family Conklin, Alice D’Orisio, Bernadette DiAndrea, Gladys Gail 9:00 a.m. Tiel Ewing—SML Clergy, Staff and Parishioners Donnelly, Lisa Dyonda, Baby Dyonda, Harriet Galasso, Cathy Tuesday September 27 Gargiulo, Thomas Hanley, Jean Harley, Sawyer Michael 7:15 a.m. Deceased Member of the Society of St. Howarth, Nicholas Iannuzzi, Susan Janice, Neil Johnson, Vincent de Paul Morgan Kelly, Monica Kinsella, Cheryl Klimaszewski Sorino, 9:00 a.m. Kevin Petrucelli—John and Toni Brescia Maureen Layman, Michelle MacDonald Bendell, Terry Collette Neal—Marilyn Crawford McKenna, Daniel Mensel, Joseph Mooney, Jean Newland, Wednesday September 28 Carollane Piazza, Anita Platania, Joseph Ranoldo, Cathryn 7:15 a.m. For Our Parishioners Roberts, Alissa Rose Rorie, Helen Rotyliano, Joseph Rowan, 9:00 a.m. Margaret and Martin Burns—The Devlin Family Jerry Cloud—The Myers Family Jenet Ruland, Susan Sabo Bisio, Carol Santos, Harold G. Schultz, Bill Skanes, Michael Simpkins, Marilyn Smith, Thursday September 29 Colleen Sorbello, Patricia Thomas, Cole Tronzo, and Jamie 7:15 a.m. For Our Parishioners 9:00 a.m. John Ganser—SML Clergy, Staff and Parishioners Westphal Michael Vahey—SML Clergy, Staff and Parishioners Friday September 30 LTJG Kevin Hickey, Ensign Sean 7:15 a.m. Douglas Paul Joyce—Joan McMillin Hickey, Lt. William Hock, USAF; Private Louis Pogoda—Ruth Pogoda John Anderson, C1C Kyle Brandt, USA; 9:00 a.m. Jim and Rose O’Brien (living) 55th Wedding Captain Matthew Sturgis, USA, Spc. Anniversary)—The Laughlin Family Nicholas Graham; 1st Lt. Erin Corcoran, USA; 1st LT Katherine Collins, USA; Lt. Saturday October 1 Matthew Knepper, USN, LTJG Jeremy 9:00 a.m. Theresa Ann Hess (living)—Her Family Griffin, USN; Pvt. Nicholas Lawrence, USA; GM3 David Kenneth Scupp—His Family Lewis, USN; Brigadier General Steve Gilland, US Army, 5:30 p.m. Elizabeth Gilligan—Ken and Joanne Bodzioch Jonathan Ross, Combat Medic USN Sunday October 2 Thank you for your service to our country! 7:30 a.m. For Our Parishioners 9:00 a.m. Deceased Members of Daughters of St. Therese 10:30 a.m. Al Tumolillo—His Friends The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap 12:00 p.m. Ann Francis Grove—Edward and Ann Callan 6:00 p.m. Richard Crosby—The Curcic Family sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves Altar flowers for today’s Masses and throughout the week, a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 were graciously donated in memory of Church Offertory Collection for Sunday, September 18, 2016 Louis Pogoda by His Wife, Ruth Donations In Cash $2,813.42 Donations In Envelopes $25,086.00 Average Envelope Gift $32.45 First Announcement Total Number of Envelopes 859 George Piech and Kate Gras St. Vincent de Paul (Poor Boxes) $210.00

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As a part of our One Hundred Children’s Church begins today, Sunday, September 25th, during the 10:30 a.m. Mass. All 4 Days of Discipleship, you are and 5 year olds are invited to the Emmaus Center all invited to An Afternoon with where they will pray, sing, play and learn about internationally famous singer God’s love and this week’s Gospel reading. At the Janet Devlin today, Sunday, conclusion, the children will be brought over to the September 25th at 3:00 p.m. Concert benefits the Church through the doors across from the rectory to Phyliss C. Badame Scholarship Fund for the Arts join their parents for the rest of Mass. Parents, and Y.E.S. Youth Ministry 2017 Habitat for Humanity please sit in that section of Church so it is easy for trip. your children (and us) to find you!

Last Sunday at all Masses, members of the adult This weekend and the weekend of October 8th—9th, choir spoke on behalf of their ministry, asking new the Women's Auxiliary will be selling blocks for members to join. If you would like to schedule a Eagles tickets. Donations for this sale will be added weekend for your ministry to have a “minute” at the to the 1st Way of Burlington County Charity Golf end of announcements, contact Christine Brandt, Tournament held on October 17th. 1st Way of Pastoral Associate, at (609) 654-8208, Ext. 113 or Burlington helps with an unplanned pregnancy, [email protected]. medical, legal, and psychological support, shelter, education and adoption guidance. Tickets are for the Eagles vs Giants game on December 22nd at 8:00 p.m., Section 205, Row 8. Cost is $15.00 for a block or $25.00 for two. For information, contact Anne at This coming Thursday, September 29th, Father (215) 870-7712 or [email protected]. Dan begins a four-week adult scripture study on the Gospel of John from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Emmaus Center. Father Dan will provide On Sunday, October 9th, after each of the 7:30, 9, background on the Gospel of John and an in-depth and 10:30 a.m. Masses, we will be offering study of the apostle’s Book of Signs (John 1-12). refreshments in the Emmaus Center. Stop in after To register, sign up at the Jackson Road entrance. Mass to visit with fellow parishioners, enjoy a hot or Remaining classes are Thursday, October 6th, cold beverage with a bagel or donut. We have 13th, and 27th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. BYOB gluten free snacks, too! For further information, (bring your own Bible), a canned good for the food contact Millie Linette at (609) 668-1673. pantry, and a friend or family member. New American Bibles will be sold for $6.00 at class.

We are offering 8 Everything in Jesus speaks of mercy. Nothing additional prizes so in him is devoid of compassion. Pope Francis we can share the winnings with more ticket buyers. First prize is 25% of all In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Come after me and I cash received; will make you fishers of men.” Jesus speaks, we th then we have 10 follow. Y.E.S. invites all 9th through 12 graders to more prizes, each equal to 2 ½ % of all sales. “Come and See…Check Us out!” on Sunday, Tickets are $25 each or a booklet of 5 tickets for October 2nd from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We will $100. Please try and sell tickets to your family hold a bonfire under the backyard tent behind the Emmaus Center for a hot dog roast to officially kick- members, neighbors, co-workers and friends. The off our new ministry year. Bring a friend, bring greater number of tickets sold means a greater your appetite, and check Y.E.S., Sr. High Out! For return for each winner. Sales to date have more information or to RSVP, contact amounted to over $14,000. [email protected] or call the office at Ext. 111. Page 3 556

Thursday, October 27th at 7 p.m. (check-in begins at 6:30). Learn how we empower today’s students to find their purpose through academics, arts and spirituality. Meet our faculty, students, coaches and administration, tour the campus, and “Catch the A Virtus training will be held at the parish meeting Spirit” at www.camdencatholic.org/openhouse. room at the back of the School tomorrow evening, September 26th, at 6:00 p.m. Register online at Virtus.org or contact MaryPat Scordato at (609) 654-2546, Ext. 315. Or check the website for additional sessions at SML or neighboring SMLS Families are our greatest asset -- both in your parishes. Virtus is a Diocesan program for adults presence at school and in your words and who work closely with children and teenagers. The actions. Help us spread the word about our great Diocese of Trenton requires that anyone who has school! Get your new SMLS sticker and display it so regular contact with children and young people that others can see your school spirit! As an added (employees and volunteers) attend a Virtus bonus, if a member of the SML Marketing Committee session. sees your car with the SML sticker parked around town you will receive a chance to win some great prizes in their October drawing! Extra stickers are in the parish office and at the back of the church. Registration and enrollment for the upcoming school year continues at St. Mary of the Lakes School. Celebrating 60+ Years of Catholic Saint Mary of the Lakes Alumni (Class of 2003), Dr. education, we are proud to offer: Lindsay Gallagher, will be featured on a new show  Academically Competitive/Spiritually on the Animal Planet TV Network entitled, Life at Vet Enriching Curriculum U. The show airs October 1st at 10:00 p.m. Animal  State-of-the-Art Computer/Science Labs Planet followed several 4th year students during their  Core Values, Championship Sports, last year at Penn Vet School and goes behind the Community Service scenes to show what vet school really is like,  Full/Half-Day Pre-School, Full-Day K-8, with including clips on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Financial Aid Available all named Dr. Lindsay Gallagher. You can visit her  Bus Service To/From Most Communities website at www.drlindsaygallagher.com. We are all so proud of Lindsay’s accomplishments!  Before/After School Care Parents considering enrolling their child/children can call (609) 654-2546, Ext. 210 for a Tickets are $10 each—buy two, get one free. Weekly registration packet or a school tour. cash prizes. Tickets on sale now until October 11th and can be purchased after Masses this weekend!

Merion Mercy Academy hosts an Open House on Sunday, October 9th, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in Celebrate the fall and new school the convent chapel at 11:00 a.m. year on October 28th from 7:00 p.m. to 11:0 p.m. at Octoberfest, a The Scholarship and Entrance Exam will be given fundraising event for the Class of on Saturday, October 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 2017. Dinner, wine, and beer included in the ticket p.m. The make-up date is November 5th. The cost. Tickets are $40 per person. DJ Music, Beer Application/Test Registration should be completed Tasting, Live/Silent Auctions. Location: St. Mary of by October 26th and can be completed online at the Lakes School, Route 70, Medford. For www.merion-mercy.com. information, contact Christal Pinto at [email protected].

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Check out the new Facebook page created by the Young Adult Ministry! This is a great place to see what we have been up to and to stay updated for future events! Visit http://www.facebook.com/ Father Dan will be leading a medfordmillennialministry and “Like” us! bus trip to Emmitsburg, MD on Thursday, October 20th to visit the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Holy Door) at the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity, and Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary (Father Dan’s alma mater), where Mass will be offered. The bus will leave St. Mary of the Lakes at 7:30 a.m. and will arrive around 11:00 a.m. Pilgrims will enjoy a buffet lunch at The Mountain Gate Restaurant and also visiting the Grotto of Theology on Tap is becoming the place to be Lourdes. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to with area Millennials! visit the seminary which lays at the foot of St. Mary’s Mountain. The bus will return by 9:00 p.m. Cost is $50.00, which includes lunch, bus, and driver tip. Contact the parish office at (609) 654-8208, Ext. 117 for reservations.

The Young Adult Ministry did a great job selling “Keep the Faith” T-Shirts at the parish picnic to help Father Carlos’ next trip to Colombia.

SML’s inquirers learn about God and His plan during RCIA this past Sunday.

Passports to Discipleship with a schedule of ministry events for the next 100 days can be found at the entrance of the church. Be sure to Peace begins with a smile. Every time you take one and have it stamped smile at someone it is an action of love, a gift whenever attending an event and also fill out your name/email at the event to that person, a beautiful thing. so that you will be eligible to win a special prize St. Theresa of Calcutta on December 18th.

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You did it all! You prepared and executed; you contacted vendors; you attended meetings. You built things. You created signs. You moved tables and chairs, and all sorts of equipment from storage to “picnic-ready position.” You decorated and covered tables. You cleaned fryers and grills and made the place sparkle! You ordered food, picked up food, cooked food, and served food to last them until next year. You painted faces and manicured little girls! You sold T-shirts. You made arts and crafts. You did your The parish office staff sang Happy Birthday to Father thing with sand art. You bounced on the moon! Dan while sporting blue T-shirts that said, “It’s a Swift You dunked a priest and retrieved softballs and thing...You wouldn’t understand,” before enjoying a basketballs. And when it was all over, you casual lunch topped off with a cake in his honor. assumed the ugly job of restoring the school campus to its former state. Our "little" parish picnic community of volunteers was over 500 people strong this year, and it felt like family. Like any other family, we were never bored (or boring). You do know this all means that you are cordially invited to participate in our little family reunion again next year. We are Blessed! St. Mary of the Lakes, Pray for Us! Father Dan Editor’s Note: We have so many delightful photos from the picnic to share—stay tuned for a display in next week’s bulletin. In the meantime, you can find photos on our website, www. smlparish.org, on our Facebook page, and on the screen monitor at the Jackson Road entrance of the church. Thanks to all those who contributed such joyous photos, especially Geri Delissio and Bill DiBlasio.

Hidden in a sure place known only to God and you. So secret that no power on earth can even find it. But beloved children, you must dwell therein. No fitful visit. A real abiding. Make it your home. Your dwelling place. Over that home shall my shadow rest to make it doubly safe, doubly secret. Like brooding Speaking of cakes! At the Parish Family and mother-bird wings, that shadow rests. How safe, how Friends Picnic, Father Dan makes the first cut sure you must feel there. When fears assail you and into one of the “biggest cake I’ve ever seen in cares trouble you, then it is because you have my whole life ever,” according to one little picnic ventured out of the protecting shadow. Then the one, parishioner. Inside both chocolate and vanilla the only thing to do is to creep back into shelter cake for everyone to share for dessert after again. So rest. feasting on delicious picnic food fare.

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Dear Parishioners:

As explained in this weekend’s stewardship report, the Diocese of Trenton has embarked on a historic $75 million endowment campaign entitled Faith to Move Mountains. This campaign provides an opportunity for us to address our extraordinary local needs while helping our Diocese build and prepare for the future. While we have been blessed in many ways, I, along with members of the consultative bodies (Finance Council, Parish Pastoral Council, School Board, Endowment Council and 75th Anniversary Council), have identified areas in critical need of attention, renovation, and upgrading to accommodate our large congregation.

In celebration of our 75th anniversary, we hope to improve the following areas of parish life:

Adoration Chapel Church Renovations Life of the Parish Upgrades Catholic Education

In order to properly plan for this effort, I am seeking advice and input from all parishioners to assess the potential support of these projects through a parish-wide study. The study will ultimately determine the financial feasibility of our parish to raise the necessary funds for these important initiatives while meeting the fundraising goals of the Diocese of Trenton.

As more details are shared in the coming weeks, it is my sincere hope that each of you will take part in this process. Your thoughts and insights will be invaluable in shaping our future plans.

Thank you in advance for your participation. Assuring you of my prayers and asking yours in return, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Daniel F. Swift Pastor

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 Because you will make friends and lasting On September 27, the Church relationships! And you won’t be able to say, “I celebrates the feast of St. Vincent don’t know anyone in our parish.” de Paul, who knew that “God had  Because you don’t have to win American Idol or sent him to bring good news to America’s Got Talent to belong. We would, the poor.” Have you considered however, prefer that you can sing in tune. joining the Society, whose Although many claim they “can’t sing,” learning to members are known as sing with others is a rewarding experience. There Vincentians, to continue his work and mission in is so much music to discover and enjoy and you our parish? don’t have to do it alone. One of the largest charitable organizations in the  Because singing in a church choir offers an world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a opportunity to express your love for the Lord. As nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of men and St. Augustine said, “To sing is to pray twice!” women who come together to grow spiritually and offer person-to-person service to those in need  Because we make sure you are ready to sing and living in poverty in the tradition of its founder, each week. The word “rehearsal” might sound Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent deceiving, but you WILL learn your choir part, de Paul. have fun, and worship Almighty God at the same time. Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice, making no distinction  Because choral singing can become a hobby for in those served because, in them, Vincentians see life. Health studies show that singing is a way to the face of Christ. For information about relax, relieve stress and could be your weekly pick volunteering in our Caring Center, Food Pantry, or -me-up. Thrift Store, call (609) 953-0021.  Because there are no age or gender restrictions. It requires only time to join and you don’t have to purchase an instrument! Fall and winter apparel are now available at our  Because you always have a reserved seat for Thrift Store on Jones Road in Medford. Shopping Christmas and Easter. at the Thrift Store offers you the opportunity to  Because we love to party—we have an annual purchase quality goods at an affordable price while Christmas party and also a wonderful picnic in the helping the poor. Every dollar you spend funds spring. programs to help those in need in the surrounding area. Household items, books, and CDs are also  And because of these three words: Choir is fun! available. If you haven’t shopped at the Thrift New members are always welcome! Rehearsals are Store yet, stop in. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the choir loft. If you the quality and range of items available at a good are interested, you can talk to any choir member, price. come to any rehearsal, or contact Peg Weaver at [email protected] or call (856) 722-8960.

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Personal Retreat Day, Wednesday, October 5th Area parishes are coming together to celebrate from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.— Take a day away from the Feast of the Holy Rosary at Sacred Heart the busyness of your life to rest a while in the Lord and Church in Riverton at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, experience God’s presence. Come to Francis House for October 5th. Father Christopher Picollo, Pastor silence, personal prayer and optional spiritual of St. Katherine Drexel Parish, Burlington will direction. The day begins and ends with a brief prayer preside. together. Donation: $10; $40 with spiritual direction. Please bring a bag lunch.

On Care for Our Common Home Laudato Si’— Wednesday, October 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The annual Bishop’s Anniversary Have you been wanting to read Pope Francis’ latest Blessing Mass to honor all encyclical, On Care for our Common Home, but you just couples married one year, 25 haven’t time or it’s a bit long to tackle? I have found an years, and 50+ years for Mercer abbreviated version designed for groups (only 13 and Burlington Counties will be held on Sunday, pages). I think we could use it for the morning and really October 16th, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral get a good understanding of the Pope’s message and in Trenton. For more information, call Peg the desire of his all-embracing heart. Could you afford Hensler, Marriage Ministries Coordinator, at to give the morning to this pursuit? I believe God will (609) 403-7156. bless us in our effort. I’m up for it! Are you? Donation: $20, includes lunch and all materials.

Respect Life Sunday will be celebrated in the Getting to Know the Heart of Ignatius — Friday, Diocese of Trenton and in all parishes October 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Who is St. throughout the country. This is an opportunity Ignatius? Do you want to get to know him better? I’d for parishes to focus on the great gift on love to introduce you to him with the help of Margaret human life. The newly formed Burlington Silf, an Ignatian expert. St. Ignatius wasn’t always heroic County Diocesan Respect Life Committee will and holy; he was flawed and fallible, just like us. As we be celebrating a Respect Life Mass at 12 get to know him, we will realize that our very human Noon, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 1603 faults and imperfect behavior do not prevent us from Marne Hwy in Hainesport. Celebrant will be receiving God’s grace; rather, knowing our weaknesses Father Joe Noche, Burlington County Pro-Life and giving ourselves over to the Holy Spirit can reveal Chaplain. Please consider joining us for the God within us and the path before us. Limited to 7 Mass. people; please register early. Donation: $35, includes lunch and book

Mornings With Merton: Delight in the Beauty of God’s Creation— Monday, October 17th from 9:00 a.m. O Taste in the Lord and see that he is good. to 11:00 a.m. Open your eyes, ears and hearts to God’s glory in nature. Let God catch you by surprise with His Psalm 34:8 creation. No day is ever the same when we are aware He is good. Trust in him. Know all is well. of God’s gifts. We will listen to Thomas Merton and let Say, “God is good. God is good.” Just leave his words inspire us to be more attentive to the love of in his hands the present and the future, God vibrating through nature everywhere. Then we will knowing only that he is good. He can bring spend some time outdoors at Francis House enjoying order out of chaos, good out of evil, peace what God has created and reflecting on God as a loving out of turmoil. God is good. Anxious to Creator. All is a gift of God that helps each one of us to show his goodness and good things with know, love and serve God with joy and you and He will do this. Trust in him and do gratitude. Donation: Love Offering. To register, call not be afraid. (609) 877-0509. Visit www.FHOP.org for additional information.

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There are three dimensions to Christian spirituality, and these three dimensions are symbolized in the cross. The vertical dimension of Christian spirituality, symbolized by the vertical beam of the cross, represents the relationship we have between yourself and God “above.” It’s the above part is why we call it “vertical,” even though God is in others and inside ourselves as well. People with a high vertical spirituality carry a tall cross, and invest most of their spiritual effort on improving or maintaining their relationship with God by praying regularly, going to Mass, learning more about God, and/or participating in religious events, rituals and traditions. The horizontal dimension of Christian spirituality, symbolized by the horizontal beam of the cross, represents the way your faith motivates you to treat other people. People with a high horizontal spirituality carry a wide cross, and are always recognizing others in need, helping out, treating people with respect and kindness, and stick up for the underdog. They actively form a strong moral conscience about what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s noble and true. The internal dimension of Christian spirituality represents the ways your faith helps you deal with the stuff inside. People with a high internal spirituality invest most of their spiritual effort in coping with emotional issues, past hurts, and life’s ups and downs. People with a strong internal dimension often have hope even when things don’t go well. They don’t give up easily, and they calm down more quickly when they get frustrated or angry.

To begin this process, take the following self-assessment survey. On a scale of 1-5, indicate how true each of these statements is for you. 1 equals “not true”; 5 “very true,” (Note: not everything is supposed to be “very true” for you. Answer honestly so you can get a true picture of your spirituality.) 1. The most important thing about my faith is keeping close to God. 2. The most important thing about my faith is being a good person. 3. The most important thing about my faith is that it helps me cope with life’s ups and downs. 4. My faith motivates me to serve others. 5. My faith brings me a lot of inner peace. 6. I pray a lot, and prayer helps me feel closer to God. 7. My faith helps me feel better when I am sad. 8. Because of my faith, I try hard to be straight with people. 9. For me, going to church is an important way to stay close to God. 10. God and I are close. 11. My faith guides my decisions about what’s right and wrong. 12. My faith helps me stay hopeful. 13. Because of my faith, I pay attention to when others need help. 14. My faith helps me heal from emotional hurts. 15. Nothing is more important to me than my friendship with God. 16. My faith brings me a lot of happiness. 17. I have a strong relationship with Jesus as my friend and savior. 18. Living in a loving way is the most important thing about my faith. 19. Because of my faith, I believe it is wrong to tell racist or dirty jokes. 20. My faith helps me deal with my anger. 21. I am always interested in learning more about God. Score profile (vertical, horizontal, internal):

Vertical—Add up the numbers you gave for statements #1, #6, #9, #10, #15, #17, #21 Your vertical score is ____; Horizontal—Add up the numbers you gave for statements #2, #4, #8, #11, #13, #18, #19 Your horizontal score is____; Internal—Add up the numbers you gave for statements #3, #5, #7, #12, #14, #16, #20 Your internal score is ____.

 One way to know your faith better is to find a local Catholic radio station or satellite channel, e.g., Sirius, and listen to it while you’re in the car.  One way to live your faith better is when you share a treat with someone else, make sure the other person gets a larger portion.  One way to share your faith better is to say the Rosary in a public place. Don’t make a show of it, but casually holding a rosary while silently saying prayers can be a powerful witness.

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Weekly Calendar Sunday, September 25, 2016 to Sunday, October 2, 2016

Sunday, September 25 Masses 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.—Church Children’s Church 10:15 a.m.—Conference Room Interfaith Hospitality Network 12:00 p.m. Departure—Emmaus Center Janet Devlin Concert 3:00 p.m.—Church Concert Hospitality 4:00 p.m.—Emmaus Center

Monday, September 26 Masses 7:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.—Church

Tuesday, September 27 Masses 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m.—Church Glory to God Prayer Group 7:30 p.m.—Emmaus Center Rosary Group 7:30 p.m.—Parish Conference Room

Wednesday, September 28 Masses 7:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.—Church Legion of Mary 9:30 a.m.—Conference Room Bible Study 10:15 a.m.—Emmaus Center Parish Finance Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.—Rectory Dining Room Adult Choir Practice 7:30 p.m.—Church

Thursday, September 29 Masses 7:15 a.m., 9:00 a.m.—Church Adoration 9:30 a.m.—Church Bible Study 10:00 a.m.—Emmaus Center Scripture Series with Father Dan 7:00 p.m.—Emmaus Center Benediction 7:00 p.m.—Church

Friday, September 30 Masses 7:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.—Church

Saturday, October 1 Masses 9:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m.—Church Confession 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.—Church Blessing of the Animals 11:00 a.m.—Church Parking Lot

Sunday, October 2 Masses 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.—Church Health Fair/Flu Clinic 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Emmaus Center RCIA Meeting 8:30 a.m.—Parish Conference Room Children’s Church 10:15 a.m.—Conference Room Redemption Rehearsal 4:30 p.m.—Church YES Senior Meeting 7:30 p.m.—Emmaus Center

Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (see above for location), weekdays and Saturday after morning Mass, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 3:30 p.m. in church

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