St. Lawrence the Martyr Church SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2018 MISSION STATEMENT St. Lawrence the Martyr Church is a community of Catholic Christians who gather together to celebrate the Eucharist, their love of Christ and their love of one another as children of Christ. We are a diverse community focused on creating an enthusiasm for our faith and enriching the lives for all who come to worship in our parish. Inviting and welcoming liturgies, multiple youth and young adult activities and adult enrichment programs all help make the Word of Christ a living reality at St. Lawrence. Rev. Nicholas Bozza, Pastor 375 Main Street, P.O. Box 730, Chester, New Jersey 07930

Parochial Vicar: Rev. Michal Rybinski Coordinators of Religious Education: Permanent Deacon: William DeVizio Carla Fuscaldo, Dorothy Kudron, Terry Leing Trustee: Phil Guidone Cynthia Vittitow— Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Parish Secretary: Karen Jaworski Brian Flanagan — Confirmation Accountant: Sharon McCann Kathleen Galdi — DRE Business Manager: Bill McCormick Music Minister: Joseph P. Tamburro Youth Minister: Brian Flanagan MASSES: Mercy Minister: Cindy Zeis

Saturday: 5:00 pm RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN: Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish), 6:00 pm Gr. K-4 & CGS 1: Sun. 9:00-10:45 am Daily Mass: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am & 9:00 am, Sat. 9:00 am Gr. 1-8: Thurs. 4:30-5:45 pm Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 pm Gr. 5-8: Sun. 4:30-5:45 pm OR Mon. 7:00-8:15 pm Holy Day: 8:00 am, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm (bi-lingual) Gr. 9-10: Sun. 5:40-8:00 pm Healing Mass: 7:00 pm every 3rd Tuesday of month. Rosary at 6:30 pm

BAPTISMS: ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. RCIA: Sundays (September-Easter) Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: SPANISH BAPTISMS: Saturday: 4:00-4:45 pm, Monday: 6:30-7:00 pm & on request. Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: MARRIAGES: Please call the Parish Office anytime for communion calls or visitation Please contact the Priest/Deacon whom you wish to officiate at your of the sick and elderly. Keep us informed so that we can be attentive to wedding one year in advance to arrange for Marriage Preparation those who are ill at home or in the hospital. Sessions. Parish Email: [email protected] PARISH MEMBERSHIP: Parish Web Site: www.stlchester.org Every family moving into the parish is requested to register. If you move Web Master: Joanne Franklin (908-879-6222) to another parish or change your address, please notify the Parish Office. Parish Ministries and Ministry Facilitators

Welcome Rosemary Lohrmann (973) 214-4806 Haiti Twinning Program Christine Colannino (201) 314-9824 Bereavement Don Martone (908) 879-7957 Lectors John Kennington (908) 872-0575 Good Samaritans Patsy Soden (908) 879-3374 Eucharistic Ministers Loretta Stewart (973) 222-7492 Grocery Cards Jean Ward (908) 334-3442 Ushers Bob Holl (908) 876-3488 Moms & Tots Melissa Altieri (908) 797-0676 Music Minister Joe Tamburro (908) 453-3302 Arimathaea Arlene McDonald (973) 229-9697 Spanish Ministry Louis Villafane (908) 879-3032 Liturgical Environment Joanne Carr (908) 879-5543 Youth Minister Brian Flanagan (973) 946-8770 Women’s Cornerstone Judy Irwin (201) 400-7847 Altar Servers Chuck Feller (908) 768-2838 Men’s Cornerstone Marc McFeely (973) 222-9739 Evangelization Bob Holl (908) 876-3488 Pastoral Adv. Board Jerry Frech (908) 377-2900 RCIA Jan Richards (908) 975-3555 Rosary Society Marie Holl (908) 876-3488 Respect Life Connie Wieczorek (908) 879-6453 Media Ministry Carla Fuscaldo (908) 879-7647 Barn Ministry Ed Wieczorek (908) 300-0098 Mary’s Moonflowers Karen Jones (973) 479-5271 Family Mass Social Marc McFeely (973) 222-9739

Parish Office: 908-879-5371 Priests’ Home: 908-879-1901 Religious Ed.: 908-879-6714 Youth Minister: 973-946-8770 Fax: 908-879-7701

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FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

JUNE: THE MONTH OF THE This past Friday was the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the month of June is traditionally the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Over the centuries, Jesus has appeared to to ask them to tell the world about how much He loves and treasures us all. Some of those saints are St. , St. , St. of Hackeborn, and St. of Aywieres. What the various messages of Jesus to the Church have in common is that He is reminding us of His great love. To St. Margaret Mary, He said that, “This is a Heart that loves so much and receives so little love in re- turn.” To St. Mechtilde, He said, “All that is contained in this book (book about their conversations) has flowed from My Heart and will return to it.” To St. Lutgardis, He said, “You want My Heart; well, I too want your heart.” To St. Gertrude, who was in- vited to place her head on the chest of Jesus as St. John had done at the Last Supper, St. John said, “The language of the blissful pulsations of the Sacred Heart is reserved for latter times, that the time-worn world, grown cold in the love of God, may be warmed up by hearing of such mysteries.” Remembering that Jesus loves us so deeply helps us to desire to love Him, in turn, more deeply.

THE FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION Our parents grew up going to church every First Friday of the month and taking part in Sacred Heart devotions, but in recent decades the pious practice has fallen out of practice and is dismissed by some as an “old-fashioned” anachronism. A main reason for the decline in interest in this devotion is probably rooted in simple ignorance: people don’t know what First Fridays are all about; families and parishes may not have adequately passed down their importance to the next gen- eration. Here are five things to know:

1. How did the First Friday Devotion begin? While some saints referenced the Heart of Jesus in their writings even centuries earlier, in 1673, a French Visi- tandine (Visitation) named Margaret Mary Alacoque had visions of Jesus, wherein He asked the Church to honor His Most Sacred Heart. In particular, Jesus asked the faithful to “receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine con- secutive months.” The request was connected to a specific promise made to all who venerated and promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. After Margaret Mary’s death, the First Friday practice steadily spread in the Church — endorsed by popes and promoted by saints — but it greatly increased in popularity when Margaret Mary was canonized a in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.

2. Why nine consecutive months? The number nine is traditionally associated with a novena and finds its origin in the nine days that the apostles spent in prayer before Pentecost. A novena provides an extended amount of time for preparation and interior renewal.

3. What am I supposed to do on First Fridays? Go to Mass and receive Holy Communion with the intention of honoring Christ’s Sacred Heart. If you are not in a state of grace, and thus unable to receive, you will also need to go to confession.

4. What are the “promises” connected to this devotion? Jesus said to St. Margaret Mary, “In the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that My all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final re- pentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.” This means that if a person faithfully receives communion for nine consecutive months on First Fridays, Jesus will grant that person extra graces at the time of their death, making it possible to repent of their sins and receive the last rites (if needed).

Cont. on p. 3

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Cont. from p. 2

This promise is the last of 12 promises connected to the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, particularly attached to the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in one’s home: (1) I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life. (2) I will establish peace in their homes. (3) I will comfort them in all their afflictions. (4) I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death. (5) I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings. (6) Sinners will find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy. (7) Lukewarm souls shall become fervent. (8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection. (9) I will bless every place in which an image of my heart is exposed and honored. 10) I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts. (11) Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart. (12)I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

5. Are the First Fridays a “ticket” to heaven? It is not as simple as going to Mass for nine months and then clocking out, never going to Mass again and leading a sin- ful life! The entire purpose of this devotion is to draw a person closer to the heart of Christ. If a person fulfills these obli- gations with sincere faith, it is natural for he or she to be closer to God and better prepared for death. The moment that this devotion is observed in a superstitious manner, neglecting the need to live a virtuous life, all bets are off and Jesus’ promise is null and void. Jesus wants us to rest on His heart, like St. John, and the First Friday devotion is an opportunity for us to encounter Him more than just on Sundays and to deepen our love of Him. Coming to know, love and trust that we may take rest in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and place our anxieties within, is what the First Fridays are all about. (The teaching on the First Fridays comes from the website, Aleteia.)

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SICK . . . THE BEACON Kirsten Mumma, William Ware, Julio Carrera, Sebastian Quinn, Do You Receive The Beacon? Ralph Bozza, Sister Eucharia, Bishop Frank Rodimer, Father Eu- If you receive The Beacon, your support to help under- gene Romano, Father Paul Knauer, Father Rafael Perez, Msgr. write the monthly subscription bill would be greatly ap- Richard Rusconi, Msgr. Peter McBride, Rev. Daniel Kelly, Patrick John Moran, Ann Kelly, Lloyd Matsamoto, Helen Crowe, Jane Alt, preciated. The annual subscription fee is $29.50. A Patrick Pronio, Allison Spina, Lesley Pawar, Tom Walsh, Steve check, made out to St. Lawrence Church, can be mailed Briggs, Brian Graham, Colleen Saito, William Kelly, Mary Nor- to the Parish Office or dropped in the collection basket at wood, Mary Lanzara, Rocco Colantuono, Diane Verge, Cade Feitel, Mass. Christine Ambrosino, Carole Stessl, Kathy Bollwork, Dick Good- win, Nicholas Brown, Jane Rufino, Kevin Callahan, Judith Stam- Would You Like to Subscribe or Cancel The Beacon? pone, Paul Fitzgerald, Charlotte Poth, Colleen Looby, George Ser- Please contact Karen in the Parish Office: afin, Charlie Romano, Salman Javed, Joe Cillo, Jerry Green, Mary 908-879-5371 OR [email protected]. Constantinople, Dan McGuigan, Patricia Gilvey, Daisy Hallock, Ryan Menzel, Vincent & Giuliana Petane, Betty Macaluso, Doro- thy Powers, Wesley Snawder, Tom Murray, Eidelia Jimenez Mar- tinez, Mila Balicki, Timothy Gearty, Consiglia Erdenberger, Arnold Family, Bonnie Lieberworth, Barbara Drive, Jack Ratti, Finn Mi- ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE chael, Olivia Gill, Teresa Smith, Frances Ferreri, Teresa Colamona- June 16-17 co, Baby Gianni Mazza, Carol Mattone, Anna Birsilli Garich, Greg Villafane, Anne Owens McGrath, Janet Courtland, Jackie Donnel- 5:00 pm 7:30 am 9:00 am 11:00 am 6:00 pm ley, Jack Arnold, Lily Barbero, Hunter Barbero, Robert LeFrancis, Moire Riley, Brian Spring, Vincent Dante, Jim Robertiello, Doug CB – Justin CB – Blake CB Kyleigh CB Mercedes CB – An- Blessen, Walter Michura, Barbara Davis, Jim Kielley, Jimena Gar- Katz Stevens Kennington Lombardo drew Guido cia, Dr. Anthony Borrelli, Jorge Lombardo, Janice Thurston, Matt Adonis, Jim Balicki, Bill Renzetti, Baby Vaia, Baby Maverick S1 – Julia S1 Sinclair S1 Maken- S1 – Mili S1 Stephen Evangelista, Bill Pigot, Rosa Salgado Katz Stevens na Spence Lombardo Howell

S2 – Aman- S2 – S2 – S2 – S2 – Please help us keep this list up to date! Call 908-879-5371 da Katz and let us know if a name should be added or deleted.

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SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEKEND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL A Letter from the Bishop June 25-29 Dear Friends in Christ, Let’s visit “Splash Canyon” and learn of As has been done for the past several years, parishes will God’s Promises to us on Life’s Wild Ride. take up a collection on Father’s Day in support of semi- Registration forms are available online at narian education. These funds, along with the support www.stlchester.org under Faith Formation and on the given through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, are a tremen- Faith Formation bulletin board in the Parish Center. All dous help as we provide for the education of those men children 4 years old to entering Grade 6 may participate. preparing for priestly life in our Diocese. Anyone from Grade 7 to adult can volunteer. Contact Terry Leing in the Faith Formation Office for additional The Gospel reading for Father’s Day compares the king- information at 908-879-6714. Due to space limitations, dom of God to seeds scattered on land that, over time we ask that campers and volunteers register as early as and with proper tending, begin to bear fruit and become a possible! bountiful harvest. With every class taken by our seminar- Registration for Vacation Bible School will close as of ians, they grow in their faith and understanding of the 5 pm Friday, June 22. Please make sure all forms great undertaking that comes with a lifetime of service to (registration and medical release) are submitted to the the Church. By supporting the Father’s Day collection Faith Formation Office as of this date and time. for seminarian education, you help nurture them and en- courage them in this vitally important ministry. I ask you to please be as generous as possible when this special THE PARISH WELCOMES YOU collection is taken up this Father’s Day. Recently Registered Andres & Maria Pena Escobar and their son Santiago MEETINGS / EVENTS THIS WEEK of Oakwood Village, Flanders. Wednesday • Evangelical Catholic - 7:00 pm Recently Baptized • ESL - 7:30 pm Audrey Rose Petrewski, daughter of Gregory & Nicole Friday Petrewski of Saint Marys Drive, Succasunna. • Chaplet - 3:00 pm Remember to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth. WE WERE ASKED TO ANNOUNCE

Part-Time Help BECOME PART OF A MINISTRY The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station is looking for part-time help at the Motherhouse Reception If you would like to join any of the following ministries, Desk on weekends. The position includes welcoming guests, please contact the coordinator below: signing in guests, answering the telephone and directing calls to sisters or staff. Orientation will be provided. Competitive Lector: salary. For further information, contact Paul Guida, Director John Kennington of Physical Plant, at 973-290-5355. [email protected]

Teaching Positions The American Christian School, with campuses in Wharton Altar Server: and Succasunna, has several teaching positions open: Chuck Feller

Kindergarten Teacher - full time 908-768-2838 or [email protected] 6th Grade Teacher - full time High School Bible Teacher - part time Adult Altar Server (Funerals): Middle School Logic Teacher - part time Chuck Feller

Kristen Brennan, Headmaster 908-768-2838 or [email protected] Succasunna South Campus | Wharton North Campus 973-584-6616 Eucharistic Minister: Loretta Stewart Trip to Alpine Countries Bishop Serratelli will be spiritual director for tour of the Al- 973-222-7492 or [email protected] pine countries of Switzerland, Austria and from July 8-17, 2018. Reservations are limited. For brochure / Usher & Greeter: info., contact Great Experiences at 201-825-3725 or by Bob Holl email at [email protected]. 908-876-3488 or [email protected]

Page Five JUNE 10, 2018 - TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK PROMISES Today’s liturgy is full of promises. The reading from MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2018 Genesis promises a final triumph over the power of sin 8:00 am - Patricia Petrocco and a return to a new creation. The reading from Second 9:00 am - Terri Soriano Corinthians promises that all who follow Christ will have TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 8:00 am - Michael & Ella Bolio to struggle. It also promises, however, that we can perse- 9:00 am - Olga Agnes Prasa vere if we but recognize that Christ is within us, renewing WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018 us daily, and giving us the courage and the strength we 8:00 am - Rose Levato need to endure. The Gospel promises that doing God’s 9:00 am - Kevin Callahan will makes us “family” with Jesus, who forgives all sin THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 and triumphs over evil. 8:00 am - Tom & Agnes Sweeney 9:00 am - Robert Burmiester Today might be a good day for us to make some promises FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2018 as well. We can promise to stop kidding ourselves about 8:00 am - Paul Payne our own tendencies to selfishness and sin. We can prom- 9:00 am - Carl & Alice Schmid ise ourselves to believe — really believe — that while we - Spec. Int. of Anthony & Barbara Borrelli are not sinless, we are forgiven. We can promise our- SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018 selves to combat evil and sin by acting as sisters and 9:00 am - Irma DiSalvo brothers not only to the Lord, but to one another as well. 5:00 pm - For the People of the Parish SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2018 ACTIONS 7:30 am - Valentino Castaldi Actions speak louder than words. 9:00 am - Thiago Perin Let your words teach and your actions speak. - Thomas G. Fuscaldo 11:00 am - John W. Niemasz, Sr. ~St. - Michael Murphy TODAY’S READINGS 12:30 pm - Raul Diaz First Reading — After Adam and Eve eat of the forbid- 6:00 pm - Mary Baillie Collins den fruit, the LORD God puts enmity between the serpent and the woman (Genesis 3:9-15). Psalm — With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption (Psalm 130). NEXT HEALING MASS Second Reading — We have an eternal dwelling from Tuesday, June 19 God, not made with hands (2 Corinthians 4:13 — 5:1). Rosary at 6:30 pm followed by Mass at 7:00 pm Gospel — “Whoever does the will of God is my brother

Bring your prayers for physical, emotional, relational, and sister and mother” (Mark 3:20-35). financial, and spiritual healing and place them before the AMERICAN FLAG Lord. All are welcome! This flag, which we honor and under which we serve,

is the emblem of our unity, our power, our thought The healing Mass takes place every third Tuesday of the and purpose as a nation. It has no other character month. The opportunity for confession is available after than that which we give it the Mass. from generation to generation. ~Woodrow Wilson

TITHING: GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING MASS READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 98:1-6; Mt 5:1-12

Tuesday: 1 Kgs 17:7-16; Ps 4:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 5:13-16 Tithing Income June 3, 2018 $10,950.00 Wednesday: 1 Kgs 18:20-39; Ps 16:1b-2ab, 4, 5ab, 8, 11; Tithing Income June 4, 2017 $10,039.00 Mt 5:17-19

Thursday: 1 Kgs 18:41-46; Ps 65:10-13; Mt 5:20-26 Pastor’s Message: “Once again, I thank you for your Friday: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-16; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; faithfulness in giving.” Mt 5:27-32

Saturday: 1 Kgs 19:19-21; Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-10; From a member of St. Lawrence Church, Chester: “It Mt 5:33-37 gives me great joy to give to God. When I am sacrific- Sunday: Ez 17:22-24; Ps 92:2-3, 13-16; ing, I am sure that God knows and is pleased.” 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34

St. Lawrence Church Vacation Bible School Come have some fun!

Join us at Splash Canyon where we’ll hear about God’s promises to us on life’s wild ride.

Grades K-6 & Preschool for 4 year-olds

Bible stories, activities, games, crafts, music, and snacks!

Registration forms are available at www.stlchester.org or The Faith Formation Bulletin Board

Volunteers needed. Please consider helping if you can!

FOOD DRIVE

A Food Drive for the Chester Food Pantry will be held the weekend of June 23-24. Food may be dropped off before or after all Masses that weekend or any time during the week in the Church Hall. Please bring your donation in an easily transportable shopping bag with handles. Donations of ShopRite Grocery Cards would also be appreciated. De- livery of all items will take place on Monday, June 25, at 9:30 am. If you have any questions, please call Marge Patterson at 973-584-6583.

PLEASE: No packages that have been opened/partially used or past their expiration dates! Also, no giant size products.

Juice boxes Coffee/tea Salad dressing Applesauce Canned fruit/vegetables Canned meat (chicken, turkey, etc.) Canned tuna Chili (canned, jarred) Side dishes (Lipton Noodles & Sauce, Rice-A-Roni, etc.) Spaghettios/Chef Boyardee/Hamburger Helper Pasta Mac & cheese Pie crust mix Dessert mixes Cookies/crackers/snacks Jello/pudding Toilet paper Paper towels Laundry detergent Deodorant

Anything you can give is greatly appreciated. We thank you for your support!