Our Mission - WE, the people of Our Lady of Consolation Parish guided by the Holy Spirit and nourished by

the Eucharist, pledge to continue the mission of Jesus Christ who announced the reign of God. We accept His

challenge to proclaim the Good News of salvation that Jesus, the Christ, died for us, and in Him we have life to the

fullest measure. We seek to live as He lived, in service to others, building a community of faith and hope, with

God’s grace as our strength and the peace of Christ our heart’s desire. A Parishioner is - one who is registered

and participates in the liturgical life of the parish and demonstrates their support, as reflected in the Parish Mission

Statement, by completing and fulfilling an annual Stewardship Commitment of Time, Talent and Treasure.

A Message of Hope

I, 100%, believe that if I am acting with good intentions to help someone and it doesn’t work out, it is still better than not trying to help at all. I have a longtime friend who is struggling with alcohol dependence. I’ve been trying to intervene and get her the help that she needs, but I’ve been facing an uphill battle. Having an alcoholic dad and father-in-law brought many challenges into my life growing up and into my early marriage. I knew that when I was a mom, I never wanted my children to experience the pain that I experienced from too much alcohol. My 3 children are now almost 30, 31 and 32 years old and they’ve never seen me with a drink. That was my gift to them.

My past made me strong. It shaped my life. And I know that I needed the struggles in my past to make me a better mom, wife, friend, youth minister and person. Advent is a time for preparing our hearts. It’s a time for repentance and forgiveness. My sins from my past have already been forgiven. Yet, each day I must be reminded of the “good that I fail to do” when I get caught up in my own busy-ness. Like you, I have the gift of 24 hours in each day. I also have the gift of “free will” to do what I want with my time. “Life is a great balancing act.”

I keep a list of people I need to reach out to, call, visit, and those who I should send a nice card to; for the Lord has done great things for me. I’ve chosen not to use any social media. For me, staying that connected to everyone would certainly consume me. I use my phone to connect with those I need to connect with and to take photos of special moments that I want to remember. That’s enough for me.

My house is clean and decorated for Christmas. The gifts are bought and wrapped. But still my life is gearing up for a whirlwind of excitement and much planning! My son, Willy, my Philadelphia firefighter, is getting married in 12 days to his girlfriend of 13 years! And…praise the Lord, for they are receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony in a Catholic church! I am so proud! I am praying that working hard and staying focused in my advanced preparations are enough to keep me in balance, with good spirits, ready to celebrate and still able to focus on the Christ-born miracle!

Director of Youth Ministry

PARISH CENTER OFFICE: MAIN #: 973-839-3444 FAX # 973-839-9695 OPEN MONDAY THRU THURSDAY 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. CLOSED ON FRIDAY.

MINISTRY CENTER OFFICE: MAIN #: 973-839-2323 FAX #: 973-616-5379

OPEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

THE

DONATION

FOR MASS

INTENTIONS

IS $15.00

FRIDAY

MEMORIAL

MASS

INTENTIONS

ARE

OFFERED

FOR A

FULL

MONTH

Mass Intentions for December 12 thru December 16, 2018

Intention for: Requested by:

Wednesday (12/12) 8:00 a.m. People of the Parish

Thursday (12/13) 8:00 a.m. George & Veronica Kelly A Friend

Friday (12/14) 8:00 a.m. Memorial Mass*

Saturday (12/15) 5:00 p.m. Bruno Panicucci Vincent McInerney

Eleanor Moran Dorry Pavlak

Sunday (12/16 8:00 a.m. Tonia Hodgins Juliana Pacyna William Linder

A Friend Peter & Emily McGourty Peter & Emily McGourty

10:00 a.m. Ronald W. Augustine Sandra Mattera

Nicholas Mattera Your Dad & Family

12:00 p.m. Lucia Covello Angie Zisa Lucille & Frank Marshall Rosemarie & Victor Trentacost

Mr. & Mrs. William Borsella Kevin & Marianne Wolford Family

A Friend Nick Celeste

*Friday Memorial Mass at 8:00 AM for December: Father Cassian Miles O.F.M., Father Vincent Grogan O.F.M., Father Tom Coletta, Msgr. John Ryan, Edward & Margaret Earles, Mary “Auntie Mame” Blazejewski

Friday Memorial Masses are said in memory of your loved one every Friday during the month you request. If you would like a Friday Memorial Mass for a particular month, please stop by the Parish Center.

a time to be healed.… Louise Kelley, Joe Piazza, Jamie Donnelly, Don Neuschaefer, Gary Marchese Jr., Baby Feeney, Sister Joanne Kokosinski, Donnie Stokem, Mark Meringer, Joan Fitzpatrick, A.T. Frerichs, Anne Looney, Barbara DeSantis, Barbara Lopez, David Meyer, Anthony Gillio, Catherine Gillio, Margaret M. Carroll, Elizabeth Mattaliano, Matthew Reino, Robert Lombardo, , Bertha Halik, Rose Tavano, Chloe Smith, Marcy Marter, Margaret Corley, Jeffrey Miller, Joe Lane, Barbara Chamberjian, Gregory Smith, Joseph Gioia, Mary Ann Dombrowski, Remy Koks, Harry Lane, Dave D’Arco, John Healey, Trish Bello, Norma & Michael Massood, Susan Rush, Joan Springwaldt, Mary Anne Crowley, Lucille Kotran, Tina Baquerra, Manila Azar, John McGorty, Allyson Hughes, Lorraine Rolandelli, Megan Boyer, George Tripicchio If you would like the name/names of a loved one listed here please call the Parish Center at (973) 839-3444 X 122. Names will remain on the list for a period of 1 month and then will be removed. If you would like us to continue to pray for your loved one, you must call us back and we will add the name/names back in for an additional month.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.olcparish.org.

ADORATION TO THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

Friday, January 4th (first Friday of the month) following the 8 a.m. Mass until 12 noon at the Ministry Center Chapel.

This is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord!

Weekly Calendar

Sunday Dec. 9

1st Year Confirmation Session in Church

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Monday Dec. 10

Rosary in MC Chapel - 7:40 a.m.

Communion Service in MC Chapel - 8:00 a.m.

Amity Board Meeting

Parish Center - 6:30 pm

Tuesday Dec. 11

Rosary in MC Chapel – 7:40 a.m. Communion Service in MC Chapel – 8:00 a.m.

Wednesday Dec. 12

Rosary in MC Chapel – 7:40 a.m. Mass in MC Chapel - 8:00 a.m. Social Justice Meeting Boardroom - 7:00 pm

Thursday Dec. 13

Rosary in MC Chapel – 7:40 a.m. Mass in MC Chapel - 8:00 a.m.

Bible Study – 7:00 p.m. Seminar Room

Friday Dec. 14

Rosary in MC Chapel – 7:40 a.m. Mass in MC Chapel - 8:00 a.m.

RECEIVING THE EUCHARIST AT HOME: If a family member or someone you know is recuperating from a hospital stay or is temporarily or permanently homebound and would like a visit and/or receive Holy Communion, we are willing to respond. Please let us know your situation by calling Harriette Peters at 973-839-8472.

For those of you who contribute to the Sunday offertory by check and do not use envelopes; we ask that you please write your parishioner number in the memo portion of your check. This would be a tremendous help to those who record contributions and we thank you for your cooperation.

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: If you do not receive your printed offertory envelopes, please contact Joe Donnelly, Director of Stewardship, at 973-839-3444 X 117.

YOUNG ADULTS OF WORKING AGE, LIVING AT HOME: Please register independently of your parents. This will enable us to assist at times of requests for sponsorship of Baptism, Confirmation or Matrimony.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: This is an electronic program that automatically deducts your offertory commitment from your checking account or credit card. Direct deposit can also be used to automatically deduct payments to our debt reduction fund as well as holy day offerings. Contact our Business Manager, Elena Walsh at 973-839-6020 or e.walsh@olcchurch.com.

Financials

Collection December 2, 2018 Envelopes………………………………… $ 11,830.00 Loose Cash………………………………. 1,211.00 Direct Deposit*………………….…... 5,242.00 Total……………………….…………. $ 18,283.00 *1st and 15th of Month Only

Fiscal Year 7/1/18 - 6/30/19 Collections – Fiscal Year to Date... $ 321,824.00

Budget figures for the 2018-2019 fiscal year have not yet been finalized. When they are available we will resume publishing them.

Debt Reduction Collection

November 2018……..……………… $ 2,793.00

Fiscal Year….…………………………. $ 8,054.00

IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION: If you are 70½ or over and have an IRA, the IRS requires you to take a required minimum distribution from your IRA each year. This distribution is added to your taxable income and increases the amount of taxes owed to the government. If you choose instead, to donate this distribution to a charity it will be excluded from your adjusted gross income. This exclusion directly benefits both you and Our Lady of Consolation. Please be sure to discuss this with your financial or tax advisor to see if it’s right for you.

Memorials

SANCTUARY LAMP DEDICATION: The Sanctuary Lamp, located near the tabernacle, is a symbol of the “light of Christ”. Your contribution for this “light” can be dedicated in honor of a loved one. The donation is $10.00 a week or $40.00 a month.

EUCHARISTIC BREAD & WINE: Each week we come together as a parish family to share the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. This donation is a special way to remember a birthday, anniversary or other special event. The donation is $25.00 a week or $100.00 a month.

MEMORIAL CANDLE & PLAQUE FOR ST. JUDE OR THE BLESSED MOTHER: In memory of a loved one or as a special devotion, you may dedicate a candle and plaque. The donation is $100.00 for one year.

MEMORIAL GARDEN PLAQUE & PERPETUAL REMEMBRANCE: In memory of a loved one, place a plaque on our garden memorial. A one-time donation is $250.00.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.olcparish.org.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL: Flowers to decorate the church for Christmas may be donated by using the envelopes located at the entrances to the church or included in your envelope packet. The Christmas Flower offering envelopes will be placed on the altar in memory/honor of those you specify.

Youth Group

THANK YOU PARISHIONERS! Our Youth Group is proud to have raised enough funds through Sports events, making “Gimmick” awareness videos, parishioner donations and teen donations to build a home in San Pablo, Ecuador for the

Medina-Caicedo family which includes single Mom, Jessica and her 5 children. A check and many Christmas letters were forwarded to Fr. Desmond this week. Thank you for your kind and generous support!!!

1st YEAR CONFIRMATION SESSION: On Sunday, December 9th we will have our 1st Year Confirmation Faith Sharing Session from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Church. If able, please donate: Chocolate Santa’s and a 6-pack of applesauce for Eva’s Cook, and/or $3 to “Build a Home in Ecuador”. (SNOWDATE, if needed: 12/16/18)

SERVICE PROJECT – EVA’S COOK: On Saturday, December 15th, OLC will travel to Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson to cook lunch for 350 needy people! Teens are invited to carpool to help from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. MUST RSVP: Mrs. Seraphine at 973-417-3997 (TEXT) or Seraphine48@msn.com.

YOUTH GROUP “GINGERBREAD & HUNT”: On Sunday, December 16th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. our Youth Group will be decorating “Gingerbread Cookies and having a Christmas Scavenger Hunt” in the Ministry Center. Adult helpers are needed! If able, please donate $3 to “Build a Home in Ecuador”. 6th - 12th graders and alumni, along with friends invited! Counts as a Youth Activity!

YOUTH MINISTRY WISH LIST: White & color 8 ½ x 11 copier paper!

AN INVITATION: If there is anyone who will be alone on Christmas Eve, the Haftek’s invite you to their home after the 4:00 p.m. Mass for dinner! We will transport you, if needed!

SAVE DATES:

SERVICE PROJECT – VOLLEYBALL & WIFFLEBALL Friday, January 4, 2019 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Snow Date: 1/5/19)

2ND YEAR CONFIRMATION SESSION Sunday, January 6, 2019 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Snow Date: 1/21/19)

1ST YEAR CONFIRMATION SESSION Sunday, January 13, 2019 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Snow Date: 1/21/19)

YOUTH GROUP “BOWTIE CINEMA MOVIE” Sunday, January 21, 2019 Details TBD

PEER MINISTRY LOCK-IN RETREAT Sunday, January 27, 2019 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Snow Date: 2/1/19)

Religious Education

DECEMBER CLASSES Sunday - 9th, 16th

Tuesday - 11th, 18th

DECEMBER OUTREACH “DAYNA’S PINK WISHES”

We appreciate whatever contribution you can make to this wonderful foundation. If you did not get a flyer, please see our website www.olcparish.org - “Religious Formation, “CCD Announcements”

Ministries/Activities

COLLECTION COUNTERS NEEDED! Money counters are needed to help count our collection after the 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays. This takes about 30 minutes of your time. If you are interested in helping us, please contact Diane Snowden, 973-839-3444 ext.111.

AMITY BOARD: The next Amity Club board meeting will be held on Monday, December 10th in the Parish Center at 6:30 p.m.

THE GIVING TREE: REMINDER the Giving Tree Gifts for the children of Our Lady of Victories and Catholic Family Services must be returned to OLC this weekend, December 8th – 9th. The gifts will be picked up the

morning of December 10th, so PLEASE be prompt with bringing your gift this weekend (we don’t want any child to be disappointed!). Please use the ornament as your

For additional information, please visit our website at www.olcparish.org.

label for the gift (these are needed to aid in sorting the gifts for delivery).

If you miss getting an ornament, please contribute a gift anyway! We have other children to help too…. Just mark the package to indicate the appropriate gender/age the gift is geared toward.

The gifts will be sorted and prepared for delivery following the 12 noon mass on Sunday, December 9th, so if you have a little time to offer to help in this process, we welcome that extra contribution.

SENIORS UNLIMITED CHRISTMAS PARTY Wednesday, December 12, 2018

12:30 p.m. @ the Brownstone Entertainment – Fabulous Pettet Sisters

Cost - $36 per person For questions and payment information,

call Angelo at 973-389-1581

OUR NEXT MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION IS NEXT WEEKEND ON DECEMBER 15TH & 16TH

Monthly food collections for the Father English Community Center in Paterson take place on the 3rd weekend of every month. We appreciate your donation of non-perishable food items and/or food gift cards. If you wish to make a donation of food cards, you may do so from local supermarkets such as Stop & Shop or ShopRite in lieu of or in addition to the food items. PLEASE NOTE… food gift card donations are also used for parish families or anyone in the area who comes to us for assistance. They may be dropped off at the Parish Center anytime during the month or placed in the baskets at each entrance of the church.

HOLIDAY 50/50 RAFFLES – DRAWING DECEMBER 16TH: Our holiday 50/50 raffle is one of our major fundraisers and helps support our many activities. Ticket cost is $100 and there are 25 prizes. Forms to purchase raffles are available at each entrance of the church. Forms can be mailed back to the attention of Victoria Trentacost, placed in the collection basket or dropped off at the parish center. Forms and info are also available on our website. All raffle orders received through 12/6/18 have been mailed. You have to be in it to win it! Support OLC!

SAVE THE DATE BLESSED, BROKEN AND GIVEN

A RETREAT FOR CATHOLIC YOUNG ADULTS IN THEIR 20’S & 30’S

JANUARY 12TH, 2019 ~10:00 A.M. TO 6:30 P.M.

A great opportunity to take a little time off after the holidays and reconnect with Jesus. The retreat will include talks, sharing, Q&A, Reconciliation and Mass.

Our Lady of Consolation Ministry Center $15.00 Registration Fee. RSVP by January 5th.

For more information and to RSVP please contact:

Mike at 973-572-4303 or Mary Ann at 973-865-7380 or

Maeghan at maeghanfengya@gmail.com

Community News

ONYX AND BREEZY FOUNDATION 3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE

The Onyx and Breezy Foundation is a charity that benefits the welfare of animals. On Sunday, December 9th, the Onyx and Breezy Foundation will hold their 3rd Annual Holiday Sale event here at Our Lady of Consolation Ministry Center.

A variety of gifts will be available for purchase so please come and visit their holiday sale in the ministry center on Sunday, December 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to our parish.

For additional information, please visit our website at www.olcparish.org.