The Roman Catholic Community of ST.

500 Route 22 East - Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ August 8, 2021

Served By

Rev. Msgr. Randall J. Vashon ------Pastor

Rev. Tholitho ------Parochial Vicar

Rev. Andrew Smith, O.S.B. ------Weekend Assistant

Mr. Patrick Cline------Deacon

Mr. Gerard Sims------Deacon

Mrs. Christina Blalock------Director of Sacred Music

Ms. Gretchen D’Angelo------Director, Office of Catechetical Formation

Mr. Mark LaFleur------Director, St. Bernard Cemetery

“We are the Living Stones”, a family of Faith which strives to love God and our neighbors through the church. 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 — After resting and taking nourishment

twice, is strengthened to walk to the mountain of M, A 9 God, Horeb (1 Kings 19:4-8). St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Psalm — Taste and see the goodness of the Lord 8:00am Mary Ann Stevens, req. by (Psalm 34). John and Margaret Batkowski Second Reading — Be sealed by the Holy Spirit of God so as to be imitators of God and live in love

(Ephesians 4:30 — 5:2). T, 10 Gospel — Jesus professes that he is the living bread St. Lawrence and whoever eats this bread will live forever (John 6:41 8:00am Mary Ann Stevens, -51). req. by Karen and Paul Dionisio The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. W, 11 St. Clare August 8th, 2021 8:00 AM Cardinale, req. by the Cardinale family Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

T, 12 St. Jane Frances de Chantal 8:00am Adelia Figueiredo, req. by her family

F, 13 8:00am Raniel Hernandez, req. by the Goldberg family

S, 14 St. 9:00am Nathan Tarantino, req. by Lucille D’Albero 5:15pm Sue Tarabokia, req. by her family

S, A 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Mary 7:30am Damaso R. Verga, Sr., req. by Fran Lim HELPER NEEDED 9:00am For the clergy and people of St. Bernard parish 10:30 am Anna Webb, req. by her grandchildren God is a good worker; but loves to be helped. —Basque proverb 12:00pm Paul and Elizabeth Wiedemann, Req. by their granddaughter and family

Daily Readings:

CIVIL DISCOURSE Visit https://bible.usccb.org/ for the “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” These words daily readings. bring us up short! What could we be doing to grieve the Holy Spirit? Alas, the same things that the Ephesians were doing in the time of Paul, that is, fighting, shouting, reviling each other with fury, anger, and malice. Just tune in to talk radio some In your kindness we ask you to remember day or observe some “road rage” on the expressway. If we all the sick members of our parish. We ask who are partakers of the Body of Christ can treat one another this way, what does that mean about our belief in Christ’s you also to pray for all of our beloved message of peace and reconciliation? The Eucharist is the dead. sacrament of unity. It is communion with God and with each other. A good first step would be to speak civilly to each other, even in disagreement! Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. Page 3

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time August 8, 2021 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. — John 6:51

This Week at St. Bernard

Sunday, August 8 Thursday, August 12

Social Concerns Food Collection: SHIP 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded)

7:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm- Blood Drive, Cafeteria 9:00 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Women’s Prayer Group, Chapel & 10:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) Room C 12:00 pm - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm- Baptisms, Church Friday, August 13 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) Monday, August 9 10:00 am - 12:00 pm- VIRTUS Training, Rooms A/B 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm- Communion Service at Rehab at Riversedge Tuesday, August 10 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) Saturday, August 14 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm - Gym reserved by Msgr. 7:30 - 9:00 am- Men’s Ministry Meeting, Cafeteria 9:00 am - Mass, Church Wednesday, August 11 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Confession, Church 5:15 pm - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 8:00 am - Mass, Church (live-streamed & recorded) 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm - New Visions (AA), Cafeteria and Sunday, August 15 Gym The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 7:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 9:00 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 10:30 am - Mass, Church, (live-streamed) 12:00 pm- Mass, Church (live-streamed)

The feast day of St. Bernard of Clairvaux is Friday, August 20th. When the patronal feast day of a parish is during the Church’s ordinary time, it is permissible for the pastor to “move” the celebration to the nearest Sunday for all to celebrate. In keeping with this option, we will be using the church’s prayers for the feast of St. Bernard at the weekend Masses on Saturday, August 21st (5:15 pm) and Sunday, August 22nd (all Sunday Masses). Please say a prayer for your parish that St. Bernard will keep us safe in his care before God. 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 August 14th and 15th

5:15 Mass Altar Servers: Faith Hughes, 10:30 Mass Altar Servers: Juliana Imwalle,

John-Paul Renieris Katelynne Imwalle

Readers: Angela Lanfranchi Readers: JoAnne Coppola Eucharistic Ministers: Marie Cinque, Eucharistic Ministers: Michele Olson, Mike Cinque, Laura Curcio Lisa Rosati

7:30 Mass Altar Servers: Connor Lynch, Kyla Lynch 12:00 Mass Altar Servers: Luke Tesoriero,

Readers: Priscilla Weick Mattei Yacykewych Eucharistic Ministers: Ian Carmody, Readers: Ed Fagan Heather Lynch, Sean Lynch Eucharistic Ministers: Marie Barbosa, Susie Grasso, Trina Tesoriero 9:00 Mass Altar Servers: Adrian Rumondor, Chris Rumondor, Daniel Rumondor Readers: Alfred Rumondor Eucharistic Ministers: Margaret Batkowski, Monique McKeon, If you are mandated and trained Grace Susanto for these ministries, please consider volunteering through the Ministry Scheduler Pro application.

August 9th, 2021 to August 15th, 2021

The Church’s Sanctuary lamp Burns in memory of Carmen and Manny Devera, req. By Priscilla Devera

The Blessed Mother’s votive lamp Burns in memory of Rey Regala, req. by Gil and Ida Abes

The St. ’s votive lamp Burns in memory of Joseph Mutek, req. by Mark and Carol LaFleur

The Chapel’s Sanctuary lamp Burns in petition of parents to be supported in their vocation

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 confidential. If you have an interest in becoming a member of the Prayer Chain, please call Joan. Page 5 Commission for Liturgy and Worship

2022 Mass Intention Book Opening

The 2022 Mass intention book is open.

You may offer a Mass for the repose of the soul of a loved one or a special intention for the living.

Please note that in fairness to all persons seeking masses, there will be an initial household limit of five (5) masses in total. Requests are honored on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mass requests may be made in person, by phone, or via email to [email protected]

For any requests made via phone or email, please stop by the parish office during business hours to drop off the mass card donation and pick up your mass cards. The donation for mass requests is $10.00 per Mass, payable by cash or check.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Please sign up to bring up the gifts at Mass! CONGRATULATIONS

to the newly baptized members of our parish family, Would you like to bring up the bread and wine that baptized in July 2021... become the Body and Blood of Christ at consecration? Mason Metelitsa Easily sign up online to reserve your date to bring up Son of Lawrence and Jennifer Metelitsa the gifts at Mass. All are welcome: families, stu- dents, individuals, and couples. See more details and sign up at: Ella Rose Ostrowski Daughter of Michael and Jennifer Ostrowski https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/8050545AAA628A0FE3-sign Jacqueline Grace Delaney

Daughter of Patrick Delaney and Angel Jones

Page 6 OFFICE OF CATECHETICAL FORMATION

908.725.0552 | [email protected]

FAMILY FAITH FORMATION FAMILY FORMATION

R E G I S T R A T I O N UNTIL AUGUST 31: 2021-22 REGISTRATION CONTINUES!

CHECK YOUR INBOX! … parents, check your mail box for important dates & details! Some classes are now FULL.

BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 1: HERE I AM , LORD... LATE REGISTRATION

Our faith formation programs depend on - and are so … children will be placed richly blessed by! - the generous YES’s of our volunteers. on a WAITLIST if classes are THANK YOU to all who are returning or joining us for the full, as we seek new first time this year. members of our volunteer teams. You don’t need to be a professional teacher or expert! You’ll be part of a vibrant, supportive team and we’ll provide lots of training & support. We are still in need of…  Teachers ADULT FORMATION  Classroom aides  Hall monitors Stay tuned for upcoming

Please reach out to us to learn more about how YOU small groups, Bible studies, events, video series & MORE can be part of serving our students & their families! LIVE and VIRTUAL beginning in September! We welcome catch up payments for unpaid tuition & contributions to our TUITION ASSISTANCE FUND that supports parish families experiencing financial, medical and other hardships.

Visit our parish website and click on ONLINE GIVING, then scroll down to select FAITH FORMATION PAYMENTS. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Page 7

SHIP UPDATE

THANK YOU to all who donated to today’s food collection benefitting SHIP. Please stay tuned for the results of this weekend’s collection and thank you for your generous support of our local brothers and sisters in need of assistance. Page 8

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 com- munity. So please keep the donations coming. You may leave donations in the crib inside 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 in all sizes, wipes, baby lotion, baby shampoo, and brand new layette items (newborn clothes) are greatly appreciated.

Parish COVID-19 Restrictions as of 7/1/21

Please see the home page of our parish website for the latest COVID-19 restrictions in place here at St. Bernard's. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we navigate the pandemic.

Knight's Corner, Knights of Columbus #1432 Stewardship Thoughts…

“Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, Join Free of charge at kofc.org and identify our council defend the widow.” #1432 as the local council serving your pastor, parish and community. Is. 1:17 KOC Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays virtu- ally, 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 representing the , or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement, 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 9

Around our Diocese

August 1, 2021

Dear Parishioner:

Bishop Checchio, along with the Diocesan Finance Council, has directed implementation of NAVEX Global EthicsPoint throughout our diocese as an additional measure of accountability and transparency for the financial practices in our diocesan administration, parishes and institutions. EthicsPoint is an anonymous hotline that provides the opportunity for people with concerns, or even employees without fearing repercussion for their , to report suspected fiscal malfeasance. The hotline report will initiate a confidential, internal inquiry to assure that all measures of propriety are being followed. The process will be overseen by the Office of the Chancellor for the Diocese of Metuchen, working with appropriate offices from the Vicariate for Administration.

To report suspected financial improprieties: Web intake site URL: https://diometuchen.ethicspoint.com Mobile URL: https://diometuchenmobile.ethicspoint.com/ Hotline: 844-796-1296

If you have any questions regarding this new endeavor, please feel free to let me know or contact the hotline number above. Blessings, Msgr. Randy

Stress In Your Marriage?

Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Have you thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse?

RETROUVAILLE is a Lifeline to Help Couples Heal and Renew their Marriages sponsored by the Office of Family Life, Diocese of Metuchen, NJ.

RETROUVAILLE consists of a weekend experience for married couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions. The upcoming weekend is August 13 -15, 2021. All inquiries are confidential. For further information, please contact Rich Colasuonno 732-236-0671 or Annette Colasuonno 732-672-0748. Page 10 Around our Diocese

Leaving

Silver & Gold Wedding Anniversary Celebration

You are cordially invited to celebrate your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary with the Church of Metuchen and renew your marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a special Evening Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. in Metuchen on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 3:30 PM. Couples who celebrated their Silver or Gold anniversary in 2020 are also invited to attend. Registration is required. Please register online at: http://www.diometuchen.org/silver-and-gold-anniversary-celebration. If you are unable to access, please contact your parish secretary or the Family Life Office at 732-562-1543 or [email protected]. Registration will close on October 7, 2021. Although no fee is required, in the past many Jubilarian couples have given a donation of gratitude to the Church in memory of this special occasion. Donations of Gratitude may be made online at https://www.diometuchen.org/donation-silver-and-gold or calling 732-562-1543. Page 11

St. Bernard’s Finance Council Update

Weekly Collections Cumulative Year-to-Date Totals

From Week Ending: 8/1/2021 From 7/1/21 - 8/1/2021 % to Total % to Total

Envelope Contributions: $ 7909.00 46.0% Envelope Contributions: $ 32,299.00 32.5%

WeShare Contributions: $ 7,692.00 44.7% WeShare Contributions: $ 55,390.00 55.7%

Social Concerns : $ 680.00 4.0% Social Concerns: $ 5,042.00 5.1%

Other Contributions: $ 918.00 5.3% Other Contributions: $ 6,779.00 6.8%

Total Contributions: $ 17,199.00 Total Contributions: $ 99, 510.00

2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

To date, the Development Office has received pledges totaling $ 147,355.93 and payments totaling $ 144,195.93 from 380 parishioners. This represents 109.2% of our $ 135,000.00 goal!

Thank you for your immense 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 507 (July 25, 2021)

Scrip Income Scrip Cards Available for Purchase

Current Week: $248.00 While the Scrip Program is currently suspended due to the COVID Virus, a limited selection of cards is available for Current Year(*): $462.02 purchase in the Parish Office during normal business hours Cumulative: from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. The selection includes ShopRite, $111,420.02 Panera, Chipotle, iTunes, Starbucks, Macys, Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Olive Garden. So, if you have a need, please stop by the Parish Office and make your purchase. Your * July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 support of the Program during the COVID Crisis is greatly appreciated.

Scrip Parish Vendor Contributions

Distinctive Landscaping $ 7,956 Thank You Distinctive Landscaping C&R Construction $ 7,451 The Parish Finance Council thanks Distinctive Landscaping Accounting Alternatives $ 1,870 for its recent contribution to our Scrip Program based on work performed for a number of our Parish families. Wylde Group of Remax $ 900 Don’t forget to consider using our Parish Scrip Vendors for Kerith Brook Financial $ 833 all your home improvement, landscaping, accounting and Other $ 1,548 investment planning needs. TOTAL: $ 20,558

Scrip Parish Vendors: Numerous local companies owned/ operated by our parishioners have elected to become Parish Scrip Vendors. While providing our families high quality services, they return a portion of their profits back to the Parish as a part of the Scrip Program. This has resulted in a win-win-win proposition for our Parish Families, the Vendors and the Parish. Please consider these vendors should you 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 services to small businesses and individuals. Numerous Parishioners have used their ser- installation of new landscaping effects, We’re an ally to our clients. We’re located in vices and have been very satisfied with the Distinctive Landscaping does it all. Their downtown Raritan. Contact Michael work performed. To get a quick quote on your knowledge of local shrubbery, deer resistant Di Bianco, CPA at 908-707-8733 or visit their job contact C&R at 908-927-0744 or via email plants, and special lighting effects are a plus. website at [email protected]. at [email protected]. You can also Call Gary Puzio to discuss your needs on 908- pick up their flier at the Scrip table. 672-3204. 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 our area and stand ready to manage all your retirement and estate plans? Are there retirement realty needs. They have been recognized for plans 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, H.O.M.E (formerly IHN) 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

In the interim, please contact Fr. Tholitho, ext. 806, email: Altar Servers Tholitho@... 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 , 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 September -June. Please contact the parish office with pre-requisite for marriage. inquires. We will see you in September!

Sacrament of the Sick - Homebound Young Builder’s Club at St. Bernard

As part of our Youth Ministry program, we offer our We encourage you to call the Parish Office to make Young Builder’s Club one Sunday each month for children arrangements for either the Celebration of the aged 3 to 10, with a parent. Using the K’nex building toys, Anointing of the Sick or for the Eucharist to be brought the group encourages teamwork and social interaction. to the sick, the elderly, and the homebound. Each meeting opens with prayer and song. Drivers SAFE and SECURE TIRE & SERVICE CENTERS MEDICINE DISPOSAL Fleet Service Experts 669 Rt. 22 East • Whitehouse Station A safe and secure way (908) 534-1919 x2 680 Route 202/206 North to dispose of Bridgewater, NJ 08807 unused medication. 908-252-3400 Caring for our community... Assisted Living at it’s Finest. NJCONSUMERAFFAIRS.GOV/MEDDROP God

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Help the ASPCA put a stop to animal cruelty.

www.aspca.org SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES • Be understanding of changes in hours and services • Stock up at local stores and businesses • Order food for takeout or delivery • Donate to charities with items from local stores • Say thank you and spread the word!

BUY LOCAL • BE FLEXIBLE • BE GENEROUS

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