February 21, 2021 SERVED BY: EUCHARIST: Very Rev

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION 113 CHIEGO PLACE ROSELLE PARK, NEW JERSEY 07204

To all who are tired and need rest; to all who mourn and need comfort; to all who are friendless and need friendship; to all who are discouraged and need hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; and to whomsoever will, THIS CHURCH OPENS WIDE ITS DOOR IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS!

First Sunday of Lent February 21, 2021 SERVED BY: EUCHARIST: Very Rev. Father James F. Spera, V.F., Pastor Saturday Evenings: 5:30 pm Dean, Union County North Sundays: 8:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 Noon Rev. Father Carmine Rizzi, Priest-in-Residence Rev. Deacon David J. Farrell, Deacon and Weekdays: Monday - Saturday, 8:00 am Director of Religious Education Holy Days of Obligation: John Ballantyne, Trustee 8:00 am and 7:30 pm Elizabeth Santora, Trustee Novenas: Donna Schmatz, Organist and Music Coordinator St. Jude after the Saturday 8:00 am Mass Virginia Jediny, Parish Secretary St. Anthony, prayers with Benediction of the Karen Colucci, Religious Education Coordinator Blessed Sacrament, Tuesday, 7:30 pm, September thru June New members of the Parish are welcome and invited to Confession: REGISTER by calling the Rectory Office. Please notify the Office when moving away from the Parish. Sponsor Saturday afternoon from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm certificates for the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation Weekdays (Monday-Saturday) at 7:30 am before the will be signed and sealed for Registered parishioners only. You 8:00 am Mass, or anytime by appointment must be registered for 6 months prior to your request. PARISH OFFICE EMAIL Assumption School of Religion Office (908) 245-1107 [email protected] (908) 245-6572

FAX WEB PAGE EMAIL (908) 245-2789 www.assumptionrp.com [email protected]

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SATURDAY, February 20: World Day of Social Justice 8:00 AM Frank and Frances Alfano (From: Robyn Sisto) 5:30 PM For the Parishioners

SUNDAY, February 21: First Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Barbara Williams (From: George Dagostino) 10:30 AM Antonio Auletta (From: Lena and Joseph Iannetta) 12:00 Noon Elaine McTague (From: Annette and Martin Venturo)

MONDAY, February 22: The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle; Washington’s Birthday 8:00 AM Living & Deceased Members of Moraes and Fernandes Families EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS (From: Iona Moraes)

LECTORS TUESDAY, February 23: St. Polycarp, bishop and ALTAR SERVERS Martyr

THE MINISTRIES ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL 8:00 AM Leonard F. Zennario FURTHER NOTICE (From: Pat and Eileen Hickey)

7:30 PM Saint Anthony and Saint Kolbe Novena PRAYER FOR A SPIRITUAL COMMUNION WEDNESDAY, February 24 My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the 8:00 AM Cathy Farley most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all (From: Joanne and Ernie Kusterer) things and I desire to receive You into my soul. THURSDAY, February 25 Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, 8:00 AM Linda Osterman come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace (From: Linda and David Farrell) You as if You were already there, and unite my- self wholly to You. Never permit me to be sepa- FRIDAY, February 26: Purim 8:00 AM John Antonucci rated from You. Amen. ( Love, Mom) 7:30 PM Stations of the Cross Prayer List: (In alphabetical order) To have someone placed on or removed from the sick list please call the SATURDAY, February 27 Rectory. We invite you to clip out this section each Sunday. 8:00 AM Alfred Faella Perhaps you could put it near a prayer book, in your Bible, or in (From: Family) your pocket or purse. It is a good thing when we pray with and for one another. Thank you and God bless you! 5:30 PM Mike Casa (From: Tommy, Debbie & Philip Italiano) Altagracia Alvarez, Kathy Barz, John Black, Fred Boyne, Florence Carosella, Christine Conrad, James Desiderio, SUNDAY, February 28: Second Sunday of Lent Naomi Desiderio, Ronald Fellner, Nicholas Fusco, Bonnie 8:00 AM Julia and Arthur Kaulfers Greer, Joseph Gregory, Cynthia and Thomas Ingman, (From: Emily and Jack Kaulfers) A.M.J., Elizabeth Knych, Zchantell McDonald, Eleanor 10:30 AM For the Parishioners Morehouse, Tanina Naccarato, Carol Fellner Nasta, 12:00 Noon Armand Cistaro Jeanette Noto, Louis Noto, Monica Quigley O’Brien, Lily (From: Wife, Jean) Rita Procopio, Roseann Santanna, Frank Sillito, Nancy Sillito, Ann Sisalli, Anthony Spadora, Antonio Spano, Gabrielle Spano, Lynn Tumblety, Joanne Vallone, D.L.W., Tony Wargacki BELIEVE AND PRAY

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As recommended by the Order of the Liturgy, we will pray the "Apostles Creed" in place of the Nicene Creed during the Lenten and Easter season. The Stations of the Cross are a popular and familiar Catholic devotion which commemorates the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each of the fourteen Lenten Devotions 2021 stations represents an event which occurred during Jesus' Passion and death at Calvary on Good Friday. Stations of the Cross: every Friday, 7:30 pm The devotion originated in the late 4th century when pilgrims flocked to the Holy Land from all parts of the Lenten Lamentations: every Wednesday after world to visit the land of Jesus. Heading the list of places 8 am Mass they visited was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which (beginning February 24, 2021) had been built by the Emperor Constantine in 335 AD atop Calvary and the tomb of Jesus. Over the years, the Humanity is never so beautiful as when praying for forgive- route of pilgrim processions -- beginning at the ruins of ness, or else forgiving another. -Jean P. F. Richter the Fortress Antonia and ending at the church of the Holy Sepulcher -- was accepted as the way that Jesus went to "The bread which you do not use is the bread of the his death. It was known as the "Via Dolorosa," the "Sorrowful Way;" Today, it winds through the crowded hungry. areas of Jerusalem's Old City, and pilgrims still travel it The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of in prayer. him who is naked. During the time of the crusades (1095-1270), it became popular for pilgrims in the Holy Land to walk in The shoes that you do not wear are the shoes of one who is the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary. After the Islamic barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of invasion and capture of the Holy Land, pilgrimages were the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are so too dangerous. As a result, the Stations of the Cross many injustices you commit." became a popular “substitute pilgrimage” in Churches throughout Europe. Promotion of the devotion to the St Basil the Great 4th century A.D. Stations began in earnest with the Franciscans, who were given custody of the Holy Places in the Holy Land in the FEAST 2021 1300s. Those who risked the dangers of travel to the Holy Land brought to their homes the memory of this In the meeting of the Finance Council, it was decided devotion and replicated their memory in countless that it will not be possible to hold the Feast in June 2021, Churches throughout Europe. due to the ongoing limitations caused by the corona vi- The Stations represent critical events from Scripture rus. It is our hope to have some form of the Feast and or tradition of Jesus' journey to Calvary. The devotion the annual raffle. There will be a meeting on Monday, may be conducted personally by the faithful, making February 22, at 7:00 P.M., in lower Chiego to find a their way from one station to another and saying the creative way to commemorate the Feast of St. An- prayers, or by having an officiating celebrant move from thony. I am hopeful that with the Chairpersons of the cross to cross while the faithful make the responses. The various Committees, and other interested persons, that stations themselves must consist of, at the very least, we will be able to prepare a worthy celebration that will fourteen wooden crosses, pictures alone do not suffice. keep the momentum and raise the funds necessary to The pictures enhance devotion and allow those unable to keep the parish financially secure. read to understand the journey. The Stations of the Cross remains to this day a popular devotion, particularly during the Lenten Season. Prayer of St. Ephrem for Lent

Here at the Church of the Assumption we pray the -O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apa- “Stations” every Friday during Lent at 7:30 P.M. thy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to pray together. If you have never had the opportunity to make -Instead, grant to me Your servant, the spirit of integrity and this “local pilgrimage of faith”; come join us and walk humility, of patience and love. with us and Jesus along the “sorrowful way” toward Easter. -Yes, O Lord and God, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, now and ever Fr. Jim and forever. Amen.

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SPECIAL DONATIONS MARY’S GROTTO

Please take Note: In observance of Lent, there will be no Just to let you know, we will be closed in February. flower donations accepted from Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021, until Sunday, March 28, 2021. Flowers are permitted If you need anything from the store, please call the on Sunday, March 14, (Laetare Sunday) and Palm Sunday. rectory and we will make an appointment to see you.

Ladies of the Rosary Society Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and Church of the Assumption satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God.” Please pray for the repose of the –Pope Benedict, Lenten message, 2009 souls of the recently deceased:

READINGS FOR THE WEEK +Ricardo Burgos Jr. Monday: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 +Teresa Flecca Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; +George Greer Lk 11:29-32 +Haley Greer Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; +Robert Milici Mt 7:7-12 +Reverend Pedro Navarro Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord! Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10, 15-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10 ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK Due to Covid 19, we can not have our Annual St. Patrick’s 2021 LENTEN REGULATIONS Dinner this year; BUT, you can buy a delicious DINNER TO GO...All proceeds will go towards the Church Air Con- 1. The days of both Fast and Abstinence during Lent are Ash ditioner Fund. Wednesday and Good Friday. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Satur- day night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily His Resurrection. The other Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence.

2. On a day of Fast, only one (1) full meal is permitted, and two (2) smaller meals, which, if added together, would not exceed the main meal in quantity.

3. Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

4. On a day of Abstinence, no meat may be eaten. Those who have reached the age of 14 are obliged by the law of abstinence.

5. The obligation to observe the laws of Fast and Abstinence "substantially", or as a whole, is a serious obligation.

6. The Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are designated as days of penance, but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat some other practice of voluntary self-denial as penance.

7. The time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept (Easter Duty*) extends from the First "Sunday of Lent, February 21, to The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 30, 2021.

*Canon 920, § 1. All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year.

January 25,2021 Office of the Vicar General

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Knight’s Corner (Council #3240) RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS The Knights of Columbus (Council #3240) of the Church Religious Education Contact Information: 908-245-6572 of the Assumption would like to invite any interested [email protected] Parish men, that wish to learn more about the Knights of Columbus to fill out one of the cards located in the front [email protected] of the Church and place it in the collection basket. The Fourth De- gree Knights of Columbus is currently conducting a membership drive. Please be sure to “like” our Facebook page: Knights of Colum- bus - Msgr. Loreti Council #3240

FEAST OF FAITH

Seasonal Changes for the Liturgies of Lent

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; Today is the First Sunday of Lent. During this season teach me your paths. of preparation for Easter, our churches look stark and -Psalm 25:4 simple—no flowers at the altar, no festive banners or decorations. And our liturgies feel different, too. The or- The Paschal Fast and Precept: The days of FAST and AB- gan is quiet except to accompany the singing of the as- STINENCE during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Fri- sembly. The Gloria, our Sunday song of rejoicing, is not day. All other Fridays of Lent are days of Abstinence. On a heard except on solemnities, and we will not sing the Al- Fast Day, only one (1) full meal is permitted, and two (2) leluia, our joyful acclamation of praise, until the Easter smaller meals which added together would not exceed the full Vigil. “Alleluia cannot always / Be our song while here meal. Those between 18 and 59 years are obligated to below,” says an eleventh-century hymn. “Alleluia our fast. On a day of Abstinence, no meat may be eaten. Those transgressions / Make us for a while forego; / For the sol- who reached the age of 14 are obligated to abstain from meat on days appointed. The time to fulfill the Paschal Precept emn time is coming / When our tears for sins must (Easter Duty) extends from the First Sunday of Lent (February flow” (Alleluia dulce carmen, J. M. Neale, trans.).

21, 2021) to the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity (May 30, These changes in the liturgy will catch our attention, 2021). The faithful are bound to receive Holy Communion at and make us eager for the festive outpouring of joy that least once a year during the time of the Paschal Precept. The Sacrament of Confession prepares for a worthy observance of will return with Easter. This year, may the stripped-away the Paschal Precept. liturgies of Lent remind us to strip away what is not es- sential in our lives to make space for the crucified and The "Little Black Book" of Lenten Meditations is risen One, and thus to be ready to sing “Alleluia” once again when Easter returns. available again this year at the doors of the Church. There is no charge for the book. An extra dollar in the —Corinna Laughlin, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. collection will offset the price. DINE TO DONATE - 2 WAYS

WEEKLY COLLECTION Mario’s Tutto Bene - NOW through 3/31/21

Weekly Collection for February 13/14 $7,101.00 Featuring daily specials & catering packages, including: Snow Removal $ 926.00 TAKE-OUT * CURBSIDE PICK-UP * DELIVERY Total Donation $8,027.00 495 Chestnut St., Union, NJ 07083 Thank you for your generosity! 908-687-3250, www.mariostuttobene.com

*Please present flyer to ensure 10% of your bill will be donated back You are invited to participate in to Church of the Assumption.*

Operation Rice Bowl: Johnny Napkins - NOW through 3/31/21 Our Parish will once again be participating in Operation Featuring pizzas, entrees, catering and more. Including Rice Bowl, the Catholic Relief Service' Lenten Program, TAKE-OUT * DELIVERY as a way to encounter Jesus through others, especially through the most vulnerable in our world. Rice bowls 1424 Morris Ave., Union, NJ 07083 are available at the doors of the Church. Please be sure 908-688-7500, www.johnnynapkins.com to take home a Rice Bowl and use this fun and easy re- *Please present flyer to ensure 10% of your bill will be donated back source to deepen your family's Lenten experience and to Church of the Assumption.* make a difference in the lives of the poor.

Page 6 Church of the Assumption Do you Remember? 321. How can those be saved who through no fault of their Baltimore Catechism Revised Edition 1941 (Continued…) own have not received the sacrament of Baptism?

313. Which are the sacraments that can be received only Those who through no fault of their own have not received the once? sacrament of Baptism can be saved through what is called baptism of blood or baptism of desire. The sacraments that can be received only once are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. 322. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of blood? 314. Why can Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders be received only once? An unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers martyrdom for the faith of Christ. Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders can be received only Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for once because they imprint on the soul a spiritual mark, called a his friends. (John 15:13) character, which lasts forever. And do not grieve the Holy Ghost of God, in whom you were 323. How does an unbaptized person receive the baptism of sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30) desire?

315. What is Baptism? An unbaptized person receives the baptism of desire when he loves God above all things and desires to do all that is Baptism is the sacrament that gives our souls the new life of necessary for his salvation. sanctifying grace by which we become children of God and If anyone love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will heirs of heaven. love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water him. (John 14:23) and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5) 324. When should children be baptized?

316. What sins does Baptism take away? Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.

Baptism takes away original sin; and also actual sin and all the 325. What sin do Catholic parents commit who put off for a punishment due to them, if the person baptized be guilty of any long time, or entirely neglect, the Baptism of their actual sins and truly sorry for them. children?

Get up and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on his Catholic parents who put off for a long time, or entirely name. (Acts 22:16) neglect, the Baptism of their children, commit a mortal sin.

317. What are the effects of the character imprinted on the 326. What do we promise through our godparents in soul by Baptism? Baptism?

The effects of the character imprinted on the soul by Baptism We promise through our godparents in Baptism to renounce the are that we become members of the Church, subject to its laws, devil and to live according to the teachings of Christ and of His and capable of receiving other sacraments. Church.

318. Who can administer Baptism? 327. Why is the name of a saint given in Baptism?

The priest is the usual minister of Baptism, but if there is The name of a saint is given in Baptism in order that the person danger that someone will die without Baptism, anyone else baptized may imitate his virtues and have him for a protector. may and should baptize. 328. What is the duty of a godparent after Baptism? 319. How would you give Baptism? The duty of a godparent after Baptism is to see that the child is I would give Baptism by pouring ordinary water on the brought up a good Catholic, if this is not done by the parents. forehead of the person to be baptized, saying while pouring it: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 329. Who should be chosen as godparents for Baptism? the Holy Ghost." Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism. 320. Why is Baptism necessary for the salvation of all men? 329. Who should be chosen as godparents for Baptism? Baptism is necessary for the salvation of all men because Christ has said: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." of their religion should be chosen as godparents for Baptism.

Now they who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)

Page 7 Church of the Assumption The month of February is traditionally dedicated to the Passion of Our Lord in anticipation of the liturgical season of Lent. In this month, we be- gin to meditate on the mystery of Jesus' sufferings which culminated in his death on the Cross for the redemption of mankind. Saints who had a special devotion to Christ's passion include St. Francis of Assisi, who was the first known saint to receive the stigmata; St. John of the Cross; St. Bridget of Sweden; and St. Cath- erine of Siena.

THE PASSION

The Passion narratives of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John describe the sufferings of Jesus leading up to his death on the cross. Christ’s death on the Cross is by far the greatest gift of unconditional love ever given to humankind. By studying the Lord’s Passion, the Passion Narratives and the Stations of the Cross, Catholics not only gain a better understanding of the Passion of Christ, but also gain a greater sense of his love. The immensity of Jesus’ love for his people is what carries us through the day. A study of the events of the Passion story as portrayed through Catholic books about the Pas- sion, Passion DVDs and other Catholic resources provide Catholics with a means of embracing this great love and growing closer to God.

The Chair of St. Peter

This structure is a brilliant creation by Bernini, de- signed to display the chair on which, according to an- cient tradition, St. Peter sat and taught Roman Chris- tians. Pope Alexander VII had the ivory-covered chair put into the gigantic bronze cathedra, with the statues of the Doctors of the Church, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine of the Roman Church and St. Athanasius and St. John Chrysostom of the Greek Church. The religious significance is extremely clear. The Doctors of the Church were always consistent with Peter's teachings as they expounded theological doctrine.

The gospel does not change because the Holy Spirit, portrayed as a dove flies along the span of the centuries, assisting and accompanying its church. The chair or cathedra of Peter symbolizes the perpetual continu- ity of the doctrine and its promise of infallibility. It triumphed over all heresies throughout the centuries.

The fine alabaster window, surrounded by golden clouds and angels flying between rays of light, casts a mystical warmth through the basilica, especially in the afternoon. It is divided into twelve sections, in homage to the twelve Apostles who carried the words of the Gospel throughout the world.