SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM A Pre-Baptismal Class is held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the parish office. To register for the class, please call 973-627-0313 . Both parents are encour-aged to attend the class before the birth of the baby. The Sacrament of Baptism is administered weekly at the 12:15 pm Mass and a Baptismal Ceremony at 1:30 pm. Families are required to be active, contributing parishioners of St. Cecilia’s Parish for 2 months prior to the child’s baptism date.

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Arrangements are to be made at least ONE YEAR in ad-vance. The date should not be set until the priest has been consulted.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Urgent calls will be attended to at any time of the day or night. If there is anyone at home or in the hospital who cannot get to Mass and the Sacraments because of illness or old age, please inform one of the priests or call the Parish Office.

90 Church Street

Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

Parish Office: 973-627-0313 Website: www.st-cecilia.org Fax: 973-627-4811 To Contact: Fr. Zig: Ext. 12 or speplowski@optonline.net Fr. Cerilo: Ext 14 or javinece@shu.edu—Fr. Matt: Ext 15 or frmateuszdarlak@gmail.com School: 973-627-6003 CCD Office: 973-627-0313 Ext. 17

Saint Cecilia Parish

MASSES

Weekends

Saturday: 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:15 am

10:45 am and 12:15 pm 5:00 pm (Vietnamese)

Holydays

Vigil 4:30 pm 6:30 am, 8:00 am & 7:00 pm

Weekday Schedule:

Monday - Friday 6:30 am & 8:00 am

Saturday 8:00 am followed by Novena

Confessions

Saturdays 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm

Any time by appointment

Susan Brennan TRUSTEE

James Gallagher TRUSTEE

Rev. Sigmund Peplowski PASTOR

Rev. Cerilo Javinez

PAROCHIAL VICAR

Rev. Mateusz Darlak PAROCHIAL VICAR

Deacon Paul Willson

Seminarian Angel Torres

Mrs. Janet Maulbeck BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

and YOUTH PROTECTION/ SAFE ENVIRONMENT

COORDINATOR

Mr. James Clancy

DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION

Mrs. Ann Mitchell

PRINCIPAL

Mrs. Diane Boykow

CEMETERY ADMINISTRATOR

Mr. Charles Linnell

MUSIC DIRECTOR

PARISH PRAYER LIFE NOVENA: OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday @ 9:30 am, Monday Night Bible Study @ 7:30 pm, Mommy Bible Study @ 9:30 am on Thursdays

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Tuesday evenings at 7:45 pm (Hayes Hall ) PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: 3rd Wed. @ 7:00 pm (PO) HOLY HOUR : Monday @ 7:00 pm ADULT FAITH FORMATION RCIA : Sunday @ 9:00 am for children & parents, 11:45 am for adults (PO) ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Monday through Sat. @ 7:30 am

CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY All Catholic Churches in the United States require from

Catholics serving as a Godparent for Baptism or a sponsor

for Confirmation a certificate of eligibility. This document

certifies that the Godparent/sponsor is a registered member

of the parish, attends Holy Mass, approaches the sacra-

ments regularly and contributes to the support of the

Church via the Sunday offering envelope program or

“Parish Pay”. It is the responsibility of the individual to

meet these requirements as listed in the Code of Canon

Law , #874.

Parish Office Hours

Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Friday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm

Closed for lunch: 12:00 to 1:00

The people of St. Cecilia Parish are asked to pray for the following people serving our country in the armed services: SmE3 Andrew Clifford, LCpl. Aleksandr Killeen, Joseph Giannetti US Navy, Lance Corporal Dennis Wuest, Capt. Kel-

ley E. Robbins, Pvt USMC, Diego Usma, Major Glenn E. Martinez, Sgt. Brian Whalen, Capt. Anthony Odierno, Cpl. Kong V. Nguyen, Cpl. Jim Van Valen, LCPL Anthony Eres-man, Sgt. Paul J. Willson, PFC Cano Janeth, Sgt. Bob Autrey, Col. William Paliwada, Sgt 1st Class (E7) Sam Co-lon, PFC Marylyn Rivera-Sachez, Cpl. Edward C. Thomp-son, Major Kevin M. Nash, Lt. Amy Cronin, Col. John L. Medeiros, Jr., Sgt. Daniel Healy, Marine Keith Leitner, Sgt. Spencer Lopez, PFC Taryn Kemp, Jeffrey Braunhausen, E7 Joseph Grimsey, Bill Maloney, Greg Bloete, Gian Carlo Bruzzese, Spc. Christopher Little, PFC Brittany Martindell, PO1 (E6) Matthew Fitzgerald, SA Justin C. White, Matthew & Daniel Rosica, Mark Leonard, Sr. Armn. Ashley Valetta, Sgt. John Wisnofsky, Cpl. T.J. Finn, Sgt. Kristopher Faber, Capt. Vincent Presto, Airman First Class William Kussler , Spc. Gregory Villaneuva and Cpl Casey W. Lyness . We ask God the Father of us all, through the intercession of St. Mi-chael the Archangel, to protect all the men and women in our Armed Forces, to bless them in their efforts toward bringing peace and justice to our world. May they be brought back safely to those they love.

580-St. Cecilia

Ethan Chandra, Dean Wayne Campbell, Doris Cusick, Carol Centonze, Jane

Gorcica, Sam Sessa, Hank Brown, Carol Ferrante, Jim Golden, Karen Niles, Noel Wadleigh, Joanna Sacco, David Cicchine, Teresa D’Atria, Derek Bascharow, Debbie Malc, Grace McDermott, Joe Horvath, Jr., Elvira Bugaoan, Pat Heady, Owen Peter Byrne, Tia Maddaloni, Mason Walker Steussing, Susan Mejia, Derek Bas-charow, Isabel Rattay, Donna Cooke, Tom Hull, Kathleen Fazio, Kristin Wich, Kyle Johnson, Kate Darlington, Jake Michael Miraldi, Cheryl Anne Bornemann, Sean Nolan, Maryann Hughes, Peggy Eileen Miars, Ray Kennedy, Richard Corcoran, Madison Rose Les-lie, Demetrius Barbee, Lucille Bardi, Frances Finn, Dorothy Murray, Virginia Cousins, Madlyn Long. Stephanie Lewis, Florence Clements, Kimberly Dugan, Gale Sessa, Marguerite Buggy, Mike Murray, Helene Turner, Michael Turner, Ruben Lorenzo, Michael Alvarez., Mina Simmons-Jones, Joe Maulbeck, Mary Merz, Dolores Faulkner, Marion & Philipp Cables, Patricia Smith Schulman, Vin-cent Fortunato, Joyce Turner, Tom Cummiskey, Dennis O’Brien, Steven Simmons, Ann Kunzweiler, Ariel, James DiStaiso.

THE WORD OF GOD

72:Jer 1:4-5, 17-19 Ps 71:1-6, 15, 17

1 Cor 12:31-13:13

Page 2 January 27, 2019 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, January 28, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest & Doctor of the Church 6:30 am—Sister Ann Haaer req. by the Covalesky Family 8:00 am—Bishop Frank Rodimer req. by Ag Struble Tuesday, January 29, Weekday 6:30 am—Special Intention 8:00 am—Ronald Dugas req. by Pat & Jack Zayac Wednesday, January 30, Weekday

6:30 am—Special Intention for the Sick 8:00 am— Special Intention for the recovery of Violet Spiliotes req. by the

Nelson Family Thursday, January 31, Saint John Basco, Priest 6:30 am—Peter Chmniel 8:00 am—Albert Shucavage req. by the Prudente Family Friday, February 1, Weekday 6:30 am—Special Intention for World Peace 8:00 am—Martin M. Mackin req. by Lee Ann & Marty Mackin Saturday, February 2, The Presentation of the Lord 8:00 am—Deceased Members of the Rosary Society James T. Riccio, Sr. req. by Catherine Haynes Sunday, February 3, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

4:30 pm— Louis Janosik req. by the Votapek Family

Margaret Tironi req. by Sacred Heart & St. Cecilia Rosary

Society

7:00 pm— Kevin White req. by the Whalens

Frank Alia req. by Pat & Kathy Deo

8:00 am— Silvio, Filomena, Anthony & Carol req. by Adelina Dr. Frank E. Trusheim, Jr. req. by Donna Robertson 9:15 am— Bishop Frank Rodimer req. by Jeanne Gallagher Randolph C. Pietri req. by Beth & Bob Cassidy & Family 10:45 am—Protection of the Babies in the womb & their families req. by Carol Parillo

12:15 pm—Joseph Stassi req. by the Cochran Family Carmen Liuzza, Jr. req. by Rosalie & Bob Marmara

Our Condolences to the Families of:

Rita Murray,

Barbara Ann Smith Mulhearn,

Tom Gorman & Dr. Edward Forbes

Eternal Rest Grant to them O Lord

ST. CECILIA CHURCH COLLECTION GOALS

Week Ending 01/20/19 Collection—Checks $ 2,178.00

Collection– Cash $ 6,086.00

WeShare Electronic Giving $ 2,753.75

Total Weekly Collection 11,017.75

Yearly Collection Goal (BUDGET) $ 839,000.00

Weekly Goal $ 15,196.08

Weekly Collection Surplus (Deficit) $ (4,178.33)

Year To Date Surplus (Deficit) $ (14,277.06)

Christmas $ 33,798.50

PARISH EVENTS

ST. CECILIA SENIOR CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS

580-St. Cecilia

Page 3 January 27, 2019 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

BAPTISM CLASS – A meeting of all those wishing infor-

mation and scheduling for a baptism will meet on Monday

evening, February 18th in the Saint Cecilia Parish office at 7

o’clock in the evening. Father will be present to conduct the

information session and answer questions regarding the cele-

bration of the sacrament.

TAX SAVING BENEFIT FOR SENIORS AGE

70 1/2 OR OLDER

As a result of income tax reform last year, many seniors

when filing their tax return may be able to benefit from us-

ing the “standard deduction” ($24,000 for married filing

joint, $18,000 for head of household status and $12,000 for

all others) in lieu of itemizing their deductions. If you are

age 701/2 or older, a special tax rule allows you to make a

“qualified charitable distribution” (donation) from your In-

dividual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to the parish

(electronically or a check made payable to the parish by the

IRA). The donation from the IRA is excluded from your

income (even if you use the standard deduction) and applies

toward your “minimum required distribution” (MRD)

thereby reducing your taxable income. Each eligible person

can make an IRA donation up to $100,000 per year. This is

a general overview and you should discuss it with your tax

advisor.

Please be advised that all the “Senior Events” are open to everyone 55 and over from

St. Cecilia & Sacred Heart Parishes!

Tuesday, January 29th & February 5th Regular Meetings

11 am set up; 12-1 social hour, coffee & cake 1-2pm meeting, bingo & cards afterward

Don’t forget about the St. Cecilia Seniors Adventure of The Seas on May 17, 2019

For more info: Call Alice Koller @ 973-627-8558

Padre Pio

The Saint Padre Pio Prayer Group will meet on Wednesday

evening, February 20th in the parish office beginning at

7:00 pm. Join us for prayer and reflection with the spiritual-

ity of Saint Pio.

SAVE THE DATE

The St. Monica Guild

Is sponsoring a

Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

On Saturday, March 16th, 2019

For more info: call Pat Zayac @ 973.625.4572

Pro-Life Holy Hour

All are welcome to attend the Adoration prayer service on

Sunday, January 27, at 3:00 p.m. to be held at St. Mary's

Church in Wharton. This is a great opportunity to come

together and pray for the protection of life. This Pro-Life

Holy Hour will include singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet

and Benediction.

THANK YOU – Many thanks to those who remem-

bered by birthday last Thursday. I appreciate your gen-

erosity and kindness. I assure you of my prayers. May

God bless you! – Father Zig

LISTEN TO POPE FRANCIS… “Why it is so im-

portant to go to Mass on Sundays and why it is not

enough to just live a moral life, loving others: We don’t

go to Mass to give something to God, but to receive

from Him that which we truly need. Sunday Mass is the

time and place Christians receive grace and strength to

remain faithful to His work, follow His commandment

to love others and be credible witnesses in the world.

Just like a plant needs the sun and nourishment to live,

every Christian needs the Sunday Eucharist to truly

live. Without Christ, we are condemned to be domi-

nated by the fatigue of daily life with all its worries and

the fear of tomorrow. The Sunday encounter with the

Lord gives us the strength to live today with confidence

and courage and to move forward with hope.”

BLESSING OF CANDLES – Saturday is the Feast of the

Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, also known as Can-

dlemas Day. The blessing of candles with procession will

take place at the 8 ‘clock morning Mass. Candles are blessed

on this day to recall the words of Simeon who held the Baby

Jesus in his arms and said: “My eyes have seen your salva-

tion, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a

light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people

Israel.”(Luke 2:30-32)

580-St. Cecilia

We are online: www.st-cecilia.org

Page 4 January 27, 2019 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

ATTENTION MEN – A men’s group called FATHERS OF ST.

JOSEPH will be meeting every other Saturday morning at 5:30

a.m. in the St. Cecilia Office Building. The Fathers of St. Joseph

gatherings are not so much meetings as they are mini retreats,

whose aim is to communicate the spirituality of fatherhood in a

manner that encourages and inspires fathers to embrace, engage

and – by the power of the Holy Spirit – sanctify their vocation.

Our next meeting is February 9th.

Loyola Jesuit Center—Men’s Weekend Retreat

An Invitation to Personal Discipleship

February 1st—3rd, 2019

Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Lakes Council

#3359 is hosting an Ignatian Silent Retreat for all men of the

parish (18+). Non– K of C members welcome! For details

please contact Damiano Servidio at dservidio@fordham.edu

or go to www.kofc3359.org

Revised Holy Day Mass Schedule: Holy Masses

in our parish for Holy Days of Obligation will be

celebrated at the following times: Vigil (Day be-

fore the feast) Holy Mass at 4:30 pm. Holy Mass

(the day of the feast) at 6:30 am, 8:00 am and

7:00 pm. This schedule is effective immediately!

BEWARE: Its come to our attention that some peo-

ple have received “scam” emails from Fr. Zig or one

of the priests. Please know these messages are fake

that are requesting “favors” or “gift cards”. Should

you have any questions, please call the parish office

at 973-627-0313. Do not reply to these emails.

Women’s Cornerstone—The Women’s Cornerstone is

hosted and facilitated by a team of women who have previ-

ously experienced Cornerstone. The team has been meeting,

praying and preparing for many months to bring you this

special event. It involves their sharing of personal stories

and experiences of finding God amidst the challenges of the

modern world. This event is Friday-Saturday, March 22-23

at Saint Joseph Parish in West Milford (Father Zig’s former

parish). The offering is $75 per candidate. For more info,

please contact: Pauline Anderson @ 973-728-2290 or Email:

rags728@optonline.net or Mary Lucas @ 973-697-1158 or

Email: mamajoph@optonline.net. Ladies, treat yourself to a

wonderful spiritual experience—you won’t regret it!!

LUNAR NEW YEAR – His Excellency, Bishop Arthur

Serratelli will come to Saint Cecilia Church on Sunday, Feb-

ruary 3rd to join in the celebration of Vietnamese New Year.

The Bishop will preside at the 3:30 p.m. Mass. The celebra-

tion will continue in Hayes Hall following the Holy Mass.

To all those celebrating , HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BLESSING OF THE THROAT – The traditional blessing

of the throat in commemoration of the feast of Saint Blasé,

Bishop and Martyr, will take place at the conclusion of

Masses the weekend of February 2-3.

A GUEST – Father Jonas St. Martin, brother of our departed

assistant Father Jean Claude St. Martin, will visit us on the

weekend of February 9 and 10. Father will tell us about the

status of the foundation established in his brother’s memory

to help poor children in Haiti. Father Jonas is a member of

the religious order, Holy Cross Fathers, and is stationed at

Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada.

Granny’s Attic Indoor Yard Sale

April 7, 2019

8:00 AM-3:30 PM

(Sponsored by Catholic Daughters of America Court #881)

Location: Dover Community Center

37 N. Essex Street

Dover, NJ 07801

Turn unneeded items into cash. Reserve a table by contact-

ing:

Megan Milano 862-210-4615 (Megan.a.milano@gmail.com)

Abigail Lengyel 973-462-4625 (Abigail.lengyel@gmail.com)

Craft and Vendor Fair

St. Cecilia Church Hall

90 Church Street

Rockaway, NJ 07866

Saturday, March 23, 2019

9:00 am - 2:00 pm

saintceciliarosarysociety@gmail.com

973-886-8023

PIZZA NIGHT WITH BISHOP: For young men in high

school or college, or even older come join Bishop Serratelli

and priests from the Diocese of Paterson for adoration, re-

flection, fellowship and of course, pizza!!!

For more information, please contact the Vocation Office at

973-777-8818, ext: 711.

580-St. Cecilia

Monday, January 28 Catholic Schools Week 7:00 pm—Holy Hour (Church) 7:30 pm—Monday Night Bible Study (Hayes Hall) Tuesday, January 29 9:30 am—Bible Study (Hayes Hall) 7:45 pm—Charismatic Prayer Group Wednesday, January 30 Thursday, January 31 9:30 am—Mommy Bible Study (Parish Office) 7:00 pm—Faith Formation (Hayes Hall) Friday, February 1 6:00 pm—DMA Father/Daughter Dance (Hayes Hall) Saturday, February 2 9:00 am—Rosary Society Meeting (Hayes Hall) 11:00 am—Altar Servers Meeting (Church) 6:00 pm—10th Grade Confirmation Retreat (Church & HH) Sunday, February 3 8:00 am—Vietnamese Community set-up (HH) 9:00 am—RCIA (Parish Office) 11:45 am—RCIA (Parish Office) 3:30 pm—Vietnamese Community New Year (Ch & HH)

DIVINE MERCY ACADEMY NEWS

Page 5 Page January 27, 2019 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

WINTER POLICY - Now that we are in the midst of

the winter season please be aware of the following: In

the event of inclement weather and Divine Mercy

Academy is closed, the parish office will be closed and

the church will be open ONLY for the liturgical service

scheduled. Also, all evening events will be cancelled.

MASSES BEING OFFERED—Sacred Heart of Jesus Par-

ish on East Main Street is offering the following Masses each

month: POLISH MASS on the second Sunday of every

month at 11:30 a.m. and LATIN MASS IN THE EXTRAOR-

DINARY FORM on the third Sunday of every month at 12

noon.

RESPECT LIFE CORNER

Call Us 973-942-0300

Email:

twmothersuperior@littlesistersofthepoor.org

MISSION, VISION and VALUES

The Little Sisters of the Poor are an international congregation

of Roman Catholic women religious founded in 1839 by Saint

Jeanne Jugan. Together with a diverse network of collaborators,

we serve the elderly poor in over 30 countries around the world.

Continuing the work of Saint Jeanne Jugan, our MISSION is to

offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home

where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and

accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.

Our VISION is to contribute to the Culture of Life by nurturing

communities where each person is valued, the solidarity of the

human family and the wisdom of age are celebrated, and the

compassionate love of Christ is shared with all.

Our VALUES: Reverence for the sacredness of human life;

Family spirit; Humble service; Compassion;

Stewardship

For more specific information: http://

www.littlesistersofthepoortotowa.org

Come to Divine Mercy Academy's Open House on Sunday

January 27th, from 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM!

87 Halsey Ave., Rockaway

973-627-6003 www.DMARockaway.org

Come see the difference an academically excellent Catholic

education makes! We offer a safe, secure & compassionate

environment with a high level of individualized attention; certi-

fied teachers; weekly liturgies & daily Religion class; academic

curriculum with all core subjects; STEM; physical education;

music, art, Spanish & library, with technology integrated

throughout the curriculum. Before-care/aftercare/

extracurricular activities available. Full day & Half Day Pre-K3

& Pre-K4 programs starting at $2420/year. * Full Day Kinder-

garten through 8th grade tuition rates as follows: 1 child: $5030

2 children: $8200 3 children: $9960 per year.* Registration for

the 2019-2020 school year begins during Catholic Schools

Week, January 27th-February 2nd.*2018-19 tuition rates.

Pilgrimage to Newport, R.I.: Pilgrimage tour of La

Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA. On May 15th & 16th,

2019 sponsored by The St. Monica Guild. This trip

includes Daily Mass—Bus from St. Cecilia Church—

overnight accommodations—2 lunches—1 dinner—1

breakfast and admission to the sites. For more informa-

tion, please call Pat Zayac at 973-625-4572.

580-St. Cecilia

ST. JOHN BOSCO was born on a poor farm near Turin, Italy, in 1815. At an age when the modern child would be enjoying the pastime of a kindergarten education, he was out on the hillside tending sheep. At about his ninth year, when he expressed the desire to become a priest, it was found possible to let him commence his education by walk-ing more than four miles daily for half a year. The other held, in Spring, and Summer was spent in the fields.

The day before he entered the seminary, his mother, laying her hands on his shoulders as he stood robed in his cleri-cal dress, said: “To see you dressed in this manner fills my heart with joy. But remember that it is not the dress that gives honor to the state, but the practice of virtue. If at any time you come to doubt your vocation, I beseech you, lay it aside at once. I would rather have a poor peasant for my son than a negligent priest. When you came into the world I consecrated you to Our Lady; when you began to study I bade you honor her and have recourse to her in all your difficulties; now I beg you to take her for your Queen.”

Today the motto on the Salesian coat of arms: Da Mihi animas cetera tolle tibi—”Give me only souls and keep all the rest” - bears witness to the fidelity of Don Bosco to the words of a truly Christian mother.

This admirable “Apostle of Youth” is almost our contemporary. He founded the Salesian Society of St. Francis de Sales and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. His life’s work was consecrated to the care of young boys and girls. He died in 1888, and was canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XL.

PRAYER God of mercy, You called St. John Bosco to be a father and teacher of the young. Grant that inspired by his ardent charity we may serve You alone and never tire of bringing others to Your Kingdom. Amen. Taken from, Lives of the Saints; Catholic Booking Publishing Company, 1999, New Jersey

Page 6 January 27, 2019 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

ST. JOHN BOSCO, Priest

January 31—Patron of Editors

My dear parishioners,

As we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day we also mark the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Scripture texts for this Sun-

day speak about the community of believers who gather to worship and receive instruction for faith-filled living. In the Old

Testament reading from the Book of Nehemiah a wonderful picture is presented of the faithful listening attentively to God’s

Word on the Sabbath. They are reminded: “Today is holy to the Lord your God…Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in

the Lord must be your strength.” In the Gospel periscope we see the Lord Jesus praying in the synagogue in Nazareth on the

Sabbath. He participates in the liturgy being performed. The Gospel tells us,” He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,

and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the Sabbath day.”

From both of these Scripture passages we see that weekly worship on the Sabbath was the custom of faithful Jews, which in-

cluded the Lord Jesus Himself. Jesus gives us the example of weekly worship; He is our model in the importance of attending

church every week. People of faith know how crucial it is to join the worshipping community in giving praise to our Creator

and Lord. Joining with the community of believers in this act is also life-giving for the individual. The Apostle Paul reminds

us of this as we read from his First Letter to the Corinthians. In this correspondence he addresses the unity they share along

with the diversity they possess. Being united as CHURCH, the worshipping household of God, they assist one another in the

ways of holiness and service.

As a member of the Church, weekly attendance at worship is an OBLIGATION, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Missing

Mass on the Lord’s Day has grave consequences. Jesus never missed worship on the Sabbath and why should we? The Lord’s

Day is holy and belongs to the Lord! This is not the day for our selfish pursuits but rather the day the Lord gives us to worship,

to reflect and to rest.

Today begins CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK, January 27 to February 2. The theme for this year’s observance is “Catholic

Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Here in Rockaway, Divine Mercy Academy is our great Catholic elementary school

which serves both Saint Cecilia Parish and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. In addition, we also accommodate children from other

parishes and denominations. Our Rockaway Catholic school is one of 6,352 Catholic schools in the United States which cur-

rently enrolls 1.8 million students. Our school is a treasure and I invite YOU to investigate this wonderful gem by visiting the

school this weekend during our open house OR by calling the school for a visit and meeting with our principal, Mrs. Ann

Mitchell.

The leave-taking of Christmas is on Saturday, the 40th and final day of Christmas, with the blessing of Candles to mark the

Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. With this feast the outdoor crèche will be removed.

I’m in sunny Florida! I hope the weather in Rockaway is better than last Sunday! I’m back on Friday.

God bless you! Father Zig

Parish Office: 973-627-0313 internet: www.st-cecilia.org FAX: 973-627-4811 To Contact: Fr. Zig, Ext. 12 or speplowski@optonline.net

School: 973-627-6003 CCD Office: 973-627-0313 Ext. 17

Saint Cecilia Parish 90 Church Street Rockaway, New Jersey 07866