February 21, 2016 . 2nd Sunday in Lent

Pastoral Associate for

Elementary Catechetics:

Tracey Hann

School Principal:

Ms. Joan Ferraer

DIRECTOR OF LITURGICAL

MUSIC MINISTRIES:

Nancy A. Cardone

Assistant Liturgical

Music MinisterS:

Kimberley Mesiti

Pastoral Associate for Family

& Adult Formation Ministries:

Robert P. Miller

Coordinator of Youth Ministry:

Mr. Timothy Dennin

FINANCE CHAIRMEN:Peter Maulbeck, Finance Council

Patrick DeCotiis, Finance Committee

St. Thomas the ApostleRoman Catholic Church

Rectory/Parish Center: (973) 338-9190 . Fax: (973) 338-4224 . Religious Education: (973) 338-7400School: (973) 338-8505 . Convent: (973) 338-9118

Address: 60 Byrd Avenue, Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003 . Website: www.stachurchbloomfi eld.comFacebook: Saint Thomas the Apostle Church Twitter: @stachurchnj

Eucharistic Liturgy

Saturday Eve: 5:00pm

Sundays: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30am & 12:00 Noon

Weekdays: 7:30, & 11:30am

Saturday Mornings: 8:30am Only

Holy Days:7:30, 11:30am & 7:30pm

Holidays: 8:30am Only

Sacrament of Reconciliation:(Penance/Confessions)

Saturday: 11:00am

Marian Devotions:

MondaysNovena Prayer 11:30am Mass

Liturgy of the Word

With Children:Sundays: 10:30am Mass

September - June

Catholic Community

ServicesOffering Social

Service Assistance1(800) CCS-7413

Fax: 596-3735

Rev. Charles J. Miller, M. Div., PastorParochial Vicar: Rev. Antonio T. Sarento, M.Div. In Residence: Rev. John F. Gordon, M.Div., V.F.

PERMANENT DEACONS:Deacon Albert H. Tizzano • Deacon Thomas J. Coyle • Deacon Brian J. Murphy

Deacon Dennis J. Besida, Retired

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Second Sunday of Lent February 21, 2016

Masses for the Week

Sunday, February 21 Sunday, February 21 7:30 am Alfredo Sabella – Family 9:00 am Frank Clark – Family 10:30 am For The People 12:00 pm Constant Montesano – Family

Monday, February 22 7:30 am Adrienne Gaeta – Friends 11:30 am Yolanda Faraone – Family

Tuesday, February 23 7:30 am Helen McGarry – Bequest 11:30 am Angelo & Eleanor Gonnella – Family

Wednesday, February 24 7:30 am Josephine & Dominick Tortello – Bequest 11:30 am Kevin Sottolano – Family

Thursday, February 25 7:30 am Nancy Leslinski – Family 11:30 am Thomas Stile – Family

Friday, February 26 7:30 am Mafalda Popola – Friend 11:30 am Lois Lang – friend

Saturday, February 27 8:30 am Deceased in the Zacharias Family – Family

Sunday, February 28 Saturday, February 27 5:00 pm Mary Shelesky – Family

Sunday, February 29 7:30 am William Mandra, Jr. – Family 9:00 am Anthony Meola, Jr. – Family 10:30 am Wilbur Lauer – Friend 12:00 pm For The People

PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Kiran Fernando, Dawn Alfano, Judy Gonzales

REST IN PEACE

Jeremy P. Carissimo

CANDLE INTENTIONS

Church: Barbara Russomanno Rectory: Alfred & Mildred Paul

How often have we heard the promise that God is with us and transforms us? I relate to Abram’s response: “How am I to know?” In other words, I want to believe you. Lord, but…I feel so unworthy, I am a sinner, I can’t get it together…I bet that you could add to this list. Every lent I seem to face the same sins, character defects or failings. Awareness is a good beginning. St. Francis de Sales notes that there is no better way of growing toward perfection in the spiritual life than to be starting over again. Today’s Gospel gives us a glimpse of the Resurrection we celebrate at the end of Lent. Jesus is transformed while at prayer. God visits him through Moses and Elijah, in a cloud, with a voice. “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” He leaves the mountain transfigured and journeys to Jerusalem, to his passion and death. Our journey, like his, is not easy, but we are not alone. Follow Jesus’ example. Turn to God in prayer; voice your needs, frustrations, fears, dreams, and desires. Listen for God’s voice: “You are my daughter, my son. I am with you.” Follow Paul’s advice to the Philippians to imitate Jesus.

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The main source of operating funds for St. Thomas is our weekly / holyday offertory collections. The information below will show where the Parish is as of February 14, 2016 compared to the budget amount for the year. The break even date is June 30, 2016. The amount needed each week is $17,656 and the amount collected last weekend

was $14,679.

Budget Amount Year to Date Remaining Amount $900,500 $563,398 $337,102

The year to date amount is negative by $19,250 as of week number 33 in our budget year.

2016 LENTEN REGULATIONS 1. The days of Fast and Abstinence during Lent are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. If possible, the fast on Good Friday continues until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, 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. Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast.

3. 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.

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

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

6. Time for fulfilling the Paschal Precept (Easter Duty*) extends from the First Sunday of Lent, February 14th to The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 22nd.

*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.

WELLNESS MINISTRY

Blood Pressure Screening Sunday February 21

8 am to Noon St. Thomas Parish Center

Everyone is invited. Please feel free to ask for nurse advice during your meeting with one of our nurses.

LADIES and GENTLEMEN As in the past the Archdiocese is holding a Women's Day of Reflection on February 27th and a Catholic Men's Conference on March 5th. These half day events provide a wonderful opportunity to once more become alive in and renewed in your faith. It can positively change your life and relationships forever. See Flyers for details

Communion of Reparation Vigil

MARCH 4 - 5

FIRST FRIDAY 7:30 PM Station of the Cross 8:00 Holy Mass (Most Sacred Heart of Jesus) Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Consecration to the Two Hearts 8:45 Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries) 9:15 Divine Offices of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 10:45 Silent Adoration (Coffee Break at Parish Hall) 11:15 Chaplet to God our Heavenly Father 11:30 Prayer for Priests 11:45 Chaplet of Divine Mercy

FIRST SATURDAY 12:00 AM Office of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Benediction/Reposition 12:30 Holy Mass (Immaculate Heart of Mary)

Questions? Contact the Parish Office at 973-338-9190 or Ramon & Zeny Campomanes at 973-748-4854

The St. Thomas Rosary Society, in partnership with the Stewardship Office of the

Archdiocese of Newark, is collecting new/gently used dresses, veils, suits, shirts, and ties for the

First Communion Clothes Collection February 20 – March 25

Items may be dropped off at the Parish Center and will be distributed to families in need.

Monetary donations dropped in the collection basket or delivered to the Parish Center--made out to the

St. Thomas Rosary Society & indicating that it is for First Communion outfits are also appreciated.

Questions? Call: Judy Nitkowski at 973-338-1974.

We ask that all clothing be clean and stain-free. Thank You!

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

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Men’s Scripture Reading and Reflection Men - want to do something for Lent? All men are invited Monday, February 22 at 7:30pm in St. James room for Men’s Scripture Reading and Reflection. We will do the readings for the next Sunday and discuss some of what was going on at that time. Come! Share the extraordinary Word of God with ordinary men and together we can learn more about our beautiful Catholic faith.

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY CONTINUES TO PROVIDE FREE FEDERAL AND NJ STATE INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED MEMBERS OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS SERVICE, YOU MUST BE A REGISTERED MEMBER OF ST. THOMAS, AT LEAST 62 YEARS OF AGE OR DISABLED, NOT ACTIVELY EMPLOYED AND REQUIRE NO MORE FORMS AND SCHEDULES THAN THOSE LISTED BELOW. INCOME TAX RETURNS WILL BE PREPARED BY EXPERIENCED TAX PREPARERS WHO ARE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY, VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME AND TALENT IN THE SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP. INCOME TAX RETURNS WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING FORMS AND SCHEDULES AND EXCLUDES ANY RETURNS INVOLVING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT;

FEDERAL FORMS 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ FEDERAL SCHEDULES A, B, D, AND R.

NJ STATE FORMS 1040NJ & SCHEDULE B THE TAX PREPARATION PROCESS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL OR MARRIED COUPLE WILL INCLUDE AN INTERVIEW, REVIEW OF YOUR 2014 TAX RETURN AND TURNOVER OF YOUR TAX DOCUMENTS (1099’S). COMPLETED FORMS WILL BE READY IN ABOUT A WEEK.

TAX PREPARERS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE PARISH CENTER EVERY FRIDAY (EXCEPT GOOD FRIDAY):

10 AM TO NOON THROUGH APRIL 15TH . NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! ELEVATOR SERVICE WILL BE ON

2016 CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS\

Week 2

75 Marie Graffeo Bloomfield 100 Anthony Defuria Bloomfield 75 Jennifer Leehr 46 Hillsborough 200 Dawn Nelson Nutley 75 Alfred Prosperi Nutley 75 Chigbo Mbaekwe Middlesex 50 Cynthia Rose Nutley 75 Sal & Chris Kopacz Bloomfield 250 Cassidy Graziano Livingston

Annual Fish & Chips Dinner Catered by Argyle Restaurant

Friday, March 11th 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Herron Hall Adults: $15.00 Children: $10.00

Dessert & Beverages Included Bring Your Own Beer or Wine

RESERVATIONS DUE BY MARCH 6th Please No Walk-Ins

Questions, please contact: Judy Nitkowski 973-338-1974 Valerie Jones 973-707-7092

Reservation Form

For Tables of 5-8, please submit reservations and payment

under one name. All other reservations will be open seating.

Name:___________________________ Phone :__________________________ Total Number at Table: __________ Check One: ___Eat In ___Take Out # of Each Entree __Adult Baked Salmon @ $15.00 = _______ __Adult Fried Fish @ $15.00 = _______ __Child Baked Salmon @ $10.00 = ______ __Child Fried Fish @ $10.00 = ______ Total Enclosed: $__________ (Checks made payable to Rosary Society)

The September Club

invites all seniors (55+) to join us for fun & fellowship. In addition to regular meetings,

we sponsor special events and trips. Call Roz Frunzi at 973-785-0576

for more information or email her at rozybabe1@aol.com

2016 Meeting Dates Feb 22nd, 29th

March 7th, 14th, 28th

April 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

June 6th, 13th, 20th

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All are Invited to Pray the Rosary

The Rosary Society will meet at the church to pray the Rosary 7 pm on the following days:

March 7, April 4 May 2, June 6

Meetings follow in the Parish Center

SUPPORT GROUP FOR THOSE GRIEVING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE Please join us for four Christ-centered grief support sessions. Trained facilitators are certified by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Newark. Our Mission is: To support spirituality and emotionally those who mourn To provide knowledge of the grieving process To offer a caring, confidential setting to share experiences

Sunday Session dates: February 28 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please contact the Parish Center 973-338-9190 for further details. Participants must be registered. All calls are confidential.

Home and School Association Please join us for our FUNdraising event at:

1243 Broad Street

Bloomfield, NJ 07003 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25th

Simply present the voucher available at the back of church for your DINE-IN or CARRY-OUT order and a portion of your check will be donated STA School. Vouchers will be available the Sunday before the fundraiser. Thank you so much for your support!

Confirmation Meetings for Parents of 2016 Confirmation Candidates

After all Masses: In Parish Center February 20th & 21st February 27th & 28th

Bunny Breakfast 2016 Saturday March 19, 2016 9:30 a.m. ● Herron Hall

Adults: $12.00 Children: $6.00 Children 3yr. and under are Free

Hot Breakfast from Hot Bagels Abroad DJ, raffles & fun for children of all ages!!! Bring your own camera for pictures with

the Easter Bunny *Reservations due no later than

Monday, March 14* Complete the form below along with your

payment, cash or check payable to: STA Home and School Association.

(Place in an envelope marked STA Office – Bunny Breakfast)

Have a question? Contact a Chair Person.. Christine Licciardello #973-303-2112 Clara Quesada-Llopez #973-704-9311 Ruth Wong #917-300-8169 ************************************************

Bunny Breakfast Reservation Form Name: _________________ Phone:_______________ Email:____________________________________

__ Child’s Name: ____________________ Grade:________ #of Adults ___ #of Children ____ #of

Children 3 & under ____ Total Amount Enclosed: $___________

Please seat me with: ___________________________

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595 St. Thomas the Apostle, Bloomfi eld, NJ (inside) U John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net

THOMAS M. CONNOR, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.C.Board Certifi ed Pediatric & Adolescent Cardiologist

101 Old Short Hills Rd., Suite 104, West Orange, NJ 07052

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JOHN P. MCDERMOTTATTORNEY AT LAW

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72 Burroughs Pl., Bloomfi eld Free Initial Consulation • 429-9211

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J.Q. Automotive

Foreign & Domestic Repair SpecialistFamily Owned, Operated & Trusted For 25 Yrs.

Computer Diagnostic SpecialistsEmission Repair Facility • Brake Service

Exhaust Systems • Front End RepairsElectrical Repairs • Transmission Service

Air Conditioning Service

1050 Broad StreetBloomfield

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North Center Drugs386 Broad St., Bloomfi eld, NJ

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GENERAL CONTRACTORKITCHEN - BATHS - WINDOWS - DOORS

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BASEMENT WATERPROOFING SPECIALIST908-282-0220

NJ Lic. #13VH03327200

FREEINSPECTIONLicensed & Insured

Dentistry for Children, P.A.

382 West Passaic Ave., Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003P: 973-338-1383 • F: 973-338-8113www.dentistryforchildrenpa.com

Philip Wasserman, DDSRobert E. Spiegel, DMDJulia Ringler, DMD

Gilda Duarte, DDS

Pediatric Dentistry

Orthodontics

Buying • Selling • Renting

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Offi ce HoursMon. to Sat. 8am - 5pm

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Walk-Ins Are Welcome159 Bloomfi eld Ave., Nutley, NJ 07110

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595 St. Thomas the Apostle ~ Bloomfi eld, NJ (back) Rt. UPS John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net

973-256-1065 • www.schumacherchevy.com

Schumacher Chevrolet8 Main Street • Little Falls, NJ

Serving Northern New Jersey For Over 75 Years • New And Used Car SalesSame Family, Same LocationService & Parts

Mon.-Fri.: 9AM-6PM

Sat.: 8AM-1PM

New & Used Car SalesMon.-Thurs.: 9AM-8PM

Fri.: 9AM-6PM • Sat.: 9AM-5PM

A.A. SANTANGELOPlumbing & Heating NO JOB TOO SMALL

973-235-1839Parishioner NJ Lic#6523

N.J. Lic. No. 3067307-309 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ

MARIO’S FAMOUS PIZZERIA RESTAURANT 2 LARGE PLAIN PIES $2500 ONLY MON & TUES

(973) 338-44771279 Broad Street • Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003

TOWING& RECOVERY

24 HR.ROAD SERVICE

JumpStarts • Flat Tires • FuelLock-Outs • Mobile Battery Installation

Towing • Etc.973-680-0097

Joseph Perrone ~ Parishioner Free Estimates and Fully Insured

PERRONE CONSTRUCTIONMASON & GENERAL CONTRACTORS

973-759-4643Stucco Specialist • Brick/Stone • Sidewalks • PatiosWaterproofi ng • Steps • Driveway • Retaining Walls

Brick Pavers • Belgium Block DISCOUNT FOR SENIORS

800-545-1020www.AIRGROUPLLC.COM

Garner Bros.Plumbing and Heating

Est. 1918

93 Bay Ave., Bloomfi eld, NJ

973-748-0981Lic. No. 1373 Parishioner

FLOOR COVERINGS, INC.If Your Floor Covering Is Not Becoming To You...

You Should Be Coming To Us.10 Elm Street, Montclair, NJ 07042(973) 744-2080 Fax (973) 744-2552

Since 1926

HARRY J. HERZATTORNEY AT LAW

Personal Attention and A Commitment to Excellence

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAWDivorce/Separation • Custody/VisitationChild Support/Alimony • Enforcement

Domestic Violence • Annulment • AdoptionREAL ESTATE

Purchase & Sale Closings • Mortgage Refi nancingMUNICIPAL COURT

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www.HHERZLAW.comOver 30 Years of Experience and Integrity

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FREDA & SURIANO O RT H O D O N T I C S

Damon System Invisalign973.748.2248

www.fsorthodontics.com1310 Broad Street • Bloomfi eld

NJ Specialty License #3386, 3388

Gourmet Chocolate & Premium Coffee372 Broad St., Bloomfi eld, NJ 973-780-0333

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Halpin – Bitecola BrookdaleFuneral & Cremation Service, LLC

“Making a difference through family and community”Daniel Bitecola, III – Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4814

1284 Broad Street, Bloomfi eld, N.J. 07003973-338-5900

Serving the St. Thomas Community since 1963WWW.BROOKDALEFH.COM

Oil Tank RemovalSoil RemediationLSRP Services

Bloomfi eld, NJ 973-893-8009

WEEKLY & BI-WEEKLY GRASS CUTS STARTING AT $25SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT• Fall & Spring Clean-ups• Lawn Maintenance• Shrub Pruning • Mulching• Brush Removal • TopsoilMichael Wallis, Owner Former St. Th omas Student973-632-0337

Res. • Comm. - Lic. #15098973-893-1411

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Bloomfi eld, NJ 07003

(973) 743-1515vallejogilmoredentist.com

Neighborhood ItalianRedefined

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