Whatever your status in the Church, whatever your family/marital situation, whatever your religious affilia-

tion, whatever your personal history, age, background, race or color, sexual orientation, you are invited, wel-

comed, accepted, loved and respected here in the Catholic Community of Saint Thomas the Apostle!

Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish & School

Third Sunday of Easter

Pastor

Rev. Jerome A. Johnson

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Msgr. John B. Szymanski, P.A.

Parochial Vicars

Rev. Frank W. Fellrath

Rev. Gerardo B. Paderon

April 15, 2018

PEACE & WELCOME!

Celebration of Mass

Saturday Vigil: 4:00PM & 5:30PM Weekday: (Pastoral Center Chapel)

Sunday: 7:30, 9:00, 10:30AM & Monday - Friday: 8:15AM & 7:00PM*

12:00 Noon Saturday: 8:15AM

*Mondays: Celebrated in church with Miraculous Medal Novena

Parish Office: Tel: 732.251.4000 Fax: 732-251-4946

Deacons

Robert Bonfante, Sr.

Patrick W. Hearty

Joseph C. Tobin

Scott D. Titmas, Sr.

School Principal

Ms. Joanne Kowit

PREP Director

Ms. Debbie Yesis

Director Sacred Music/Liturgy

Mr. Justin Connors

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

“To make disciples, as we

know, love and serve God

and one another.”

2

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

Third Sunday of Easter April 15, 2018

SATURDAY APRIL 14

8:15am + Tecla Lucciola r/o Family VIGIL

4:00pm + Brenden Allen Luke r/o Bill & Madeline Luke 5:30pm + Jane Brown r/o Eileen Nasto SUNDAY APRIL 15 - Third Sunday of Easter

7:30am For Parishioners, Living & Deceased 9:00am + Rita Mooney r/o Tony & Marissa Tudtud & Family 10:30am + Doreen Welton-Dupont r/o Cousin, Cheryl Koster & Family 12:00pm + Nancy C. Supko r/o Family MONDAY APRIL 16

8:15am + Denise Shanley r/o Wayne & Laurie MIller

7:00pm** + Margaret Faber r/o Steve and Peggy Pauls TUESDAY APRIL 17 8:15am + Dorothy Laconis r/o Kathy Salmon 7:00pm + Leonila ALquiros r/o Arriola Family

WEDNESDAY APRIL 18

8:15am + Walter Rozyckie r/o Julie Sieberg 7:00pm + Julia Tadeusiak r/o Joan Taibe THURSDAY APRIL 19 8:15am + Ann O’Dea r/o The McCarthy Family 7:00pm + Margaret Faber r/o Karen & Joe Ungrady FRIDAY APRIL 20

8:15am + Mary Kate, Michael Fitzgerald & Family r/o Veronica Nolan 7:00pm + Mildred Grabowski r/o Maureen & John Nigro SATURDAY APRIL 21

8:15am + Claire & Steve Hambas r/o Shirley Regan VIGIL

4:00pm + Msgr. Richard Behl r/o Joseph/Jen Pasqua & Family 5:30pm + Gregorio & Olga Favis r/o Glenda Tavano & Family SUNDAY APRIL 22 - Fourth Sunday of Easter 7:30am For Parishioners, Living & Deceased

9:00am + Jeffrey Molomolo r/o Joel & Gina Belen 10:30am + Dorothy Faraca r/o Karen & Pat Tortorici 12:00pm + Virginia Dudkin r/o Corinne Martin ** Mass in the chapel due to Confirmation Rehearsal

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES . . .

◊ Sanctuary Candle/Mary Candle, (lit for one week in church/chapel, available during daytime in Pastoral Center).

◊ Memorials of Honor …. Gifts of $25+ entered in Journal (courtyard lobby). Envelopes: Pastoral Center.

Welcome to the Parish Family of St. Thomas! If you are new to the community, Welcome! We are grate-

ful to the Lord for your presence with us and look forward

to including you in all areas of parish life. Please take a

moment to stop by the Parish Office and register with us

and after Mass please introduce yourself to Fr. Jay, Fr.

Frank or Fr. Gerry. Registering and using your envelopes

makes it easier for us to provide documentation, such as a

certificate for sponsoring a child for Baptism or Confirma-

tion or to arrange for a wedding. So please register... and

Welcome!

Parish Office

One St. Thomas Plaza

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Tel: 732.251.4000 Fax: 732.251.4946

School Tel: 732.251.4812

PREP Tel: 732.251.1660

Hours (Lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm):

Monday and Friday: 9:00am—4:00pm

Tues./Wed./Thurs: 9:00am-8:00pm

Saturday-Sunday: 11am—1:30pm

Contact Information:

Website: www.saintthomasob.com

www.facebook.com/pages/St- Thomas-the-Apostle-

Church-Old-Bridge-NJ

Parish Office Staff

Business Administrator: Mr. Michael Luczkow

Parish Secretary: Ms. Kristine Yuhas

Reception/Bingo Coordinator: Ms. Michelle Loney

Bulletin Editor: Ms. Justine Durstewitz

Sacramental Information BAPTISMS: (1:30pm, most Sundays) The Church calls GOD-PARENTS, to be practicing Catholics, examples of Christ-centered living today. All Godparents should submit Sponsor letters from their Parish ASAP—but no later than three weeks before the scheduled Baptism. PARENTS must attend a Baptis-mal Preparation Session. (Registration is required.) MARRIAGES: Arrangements must be made at least one year in advance—before

any social plans. Either the bride or groom must be a registered

member of our parish. Once a marriage questionnaire (available in

Pastoral Center) is completed/returned, a Parish Priest or Deacon

will then contact the couple.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: In case of dangerous illness or accident, phone the Pastoral Center. A

communal celebration of the Sacrament is held twice a year, in

Spring and Fall.

PENANCE: Individual Confessions most Saturdays, 12:30pm and

immediately following 5:30pm Mass. Communal Penance during

Lent/Advent with visiting clergy.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS: Parishioners desiring the

Sacraments, please contact Pastoral Center.

This Week in Memory of…

Bernard Good

r/o Dorothy & Barry DeFeo

Mary Candle in Church

This Weekend the Altar Bread & Wine

are offered in Memory of…

St. Francis Xavier

3

APRIL 15, 2018

ST. THOMAS FOOD PANTRY

Our pantry helps many individuals and families with emergency food and supplies. Your non-

perishable donations are greatly appreciated! Be

sure they are fresh and do not carry expired dates. Thank

you for your generosity!

Adoration: Wednesdays:

following 8:15am Mass until Noon (Chapel).

Parish Support Here at STA we encourage you to be Christian Stewards, using everything God has given us—time, talent, treasure—to serve Him gratefully. (See Page 2 regarding envelopes.) Last weekend’s collection: $14,141 (‘17: $14,998)

Easter II: $ 10,034

Poor: $889

Online Giving (February): $4,492 Online Giving! Visit our website to get started:

www.saintthomasob.com

“Online giving—it’s so easy!” Shirley.

DECEASED LOVED ONES

Roberta Grudzinski, Arminda Sousa, Eileen Bordt,

Leonard Gatti, Bertrand Pagan, Leonida Angeles

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

• Confirmation: Rehearsal is tomorrow,

Monday, April 16, 6:30pm in church.

Sponsor or parent must attend with candi-

date. • Confirmation: will be celebrated on Wednesday,

April 18, 7:00pm in church.

• First Communion: All those students (both PREP and St. Thomas School) who are receiving First Commun-ion must attend a retreat on Wednesday, April 25, 6:30pm in church. Presenter: Colleen Kelly Rayner. One parent is to attend with their child. Attendance is mandatory.

• First Holy Communion: will be celebrated on Satur-

day, April 28, 10am and Saturday, May 5, 10am. Questions? PREP Office: 732.251.1660.

Have you considered using Online Giving? It’s a secure and easy way to give and make other contributions. Questions? The Parish Office will be happy to assist you! 732.251.4000. Visit our

website to get started! www.saintthomasob.com

BISHOP BARRON’S PIVOTAL

PLAYERS BOOK STUDY

Pivotal Players next session: Tuesday, April 17. The session will be held in the Parish Room at

7:00pm. Info: Sue: faithstthomas1@gmail.com.

CALENDAR RAFFLE ON SALE ! Raffle tickets available after Mass or at the Pastoral Center includes May/June/July. The calendar is $10 (for 3-months) with daily drawings! Deadline April 30. The proceeds from the sale of the calendars will help defray church operating expenses. Thank you for your support!

ROME & UMBRIA, ITALY

with FR. JAY

October 22-30, 2018

Visit two millennia of architecture, art and culture in Rome and Umbria (“the green heart of Italy”). Enjoy this trip for 9 days/7 nights. Cost: $3,099. Info: Jet Vacations 1-855-JET-0999 or

customercare@jetvacations.com.

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND

...at the 12pm Mass. We are happy to offer childcare to families with children (6 months to 4 yrs.) during the 12pm Sunday Mass. The room will be staffed by a first aid/CPR trained individual. Space is limited to 10 children. Inter-ested? Phone 732.675.0864.

UPDATE: BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

Thank you! Pledges totaling $90,734 & payments totaling $77,119 represents 106.7% of our $85,000 goal!

ONLINE PREP REGISTRATION

...begins on Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 18.

Please use website to register: www.saintthomasob.com.

Questions? Phone PREP office: 732.251.1660.

MANY THANKS…

...to all those volunteers that helped with our Fair/Expo this past weekend (See pictures - Page 5). It was a huge success! Also, thank you to our Pastoral Council for organizing, prepar-

ing and executing the Expo. Thank you to the Family Life Committee for the popcorn and refreshments!! We couldn’t have done it without all of you! We hope that you were able to walk around and meet new people and even perhaps volunteer for a group that inter-

ests you. May God bless you. Father Jay Johnson, Pastor

HOLY HOUR OF PRAYER

April 22 • 3pm

For Good Shepherd Sunday & Prayer of Vocations St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Pis-cataway. Fellowship & refreshments following the Holy Hour. Info: 732.562.1990.

4

BLANKET MINISTRY

Do you enjoy crocheting or knitting? Do you want to comfort the ill? Phone: Kathy (732-238-

7187). Anyone in need of a prayer blanket contact the Pas-toral Center (732-251-4000).

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

All parents must participate in a Baptismal Prepa-ration Program (if possible before the birth of your child). Sessions are held monthly in the Par-

ish Room. Next session: Tuesday, April 24, 7:30pm. Reg-istration required. Remember, the Sacrament of Baptism

is a sacred event regulated by Church (Canon) law. Do not

plan any activity until dates are confirmed. Questions? 732.251.4000.

Educating Minds and Hearts!

*Interactive Whiteboards (Pre-k-8) *Kindles *iPads

*Digital Technology *Block Schedules *Learning Centers

*Science Lab * Wonders Reading * Go Math

*Scientific Learning: Fast for Word

*Sports *Dramatic Arts *Art Club * Google Classroom

*IXL Learning * Music *Art

FREE ACCESS TO FORMED… FORMED is an exciting on-line based web program de-signed to help adults grow in their faith at all levels— how we think, how we pray and how we live. Access is FREE to all Parishioners and their families, anywhere, anytime on computers/tablets/smartphones. Register free at http://formed.org Parish Code: MDXZXQ.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP (20’s-30’s) Join our Young Adult group on the third Sunday of the month to meet new friends, forge relationships and stay connected to the Church! Our next gathering: Today! 6:30pm, Parish Room.

Info: John, staya316@gmail.com.

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish School Pre-K - 8th Grade

FLOCKNOTE.COM

Have you been getting our announcements via Flocknote? Flocknote is a simple way for us to commu-nicate with you! If you have not yet entered your email address please go to Flocknote.com and follow the instructions... its so easy!

TRIP WITH FATHER JAY! Reserve your spot now! Sight and Sound Thea-

tre: Wednesday, September 26, Lancaster, PA to see the new production of Jesus. After the

show enjoy lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord, then depart for home. Cost: $150 (includes ticket, bus and lunch).

Applications are being accepted for new families!

St. Thomas Advantage

Nominated for National Blue Ribbon Award!

“Leader in Me” School

Focused on Leadership and Service

Sue Sirianni, Admissions Office

732-251-4000 ext. 8253

333 Highway 18, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Visit our website: www.sttaob.com

12 Day Nativity Pilgrimage to the

Holy Land & Jordan

with Fr. Gerry

January 14 - 25, 2019

Join Father Gerry, Spiritual Director on this 12 day Pil-grimage to the Holy Land (Tel Aviv, Sea of Galilee, Mt. Tabor, Cana, Nazareth, Capernaum, Tiberias, Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity, the Passion of our Lord and more!). Literature available at the Pastoral Center. Round trip from Old Bridge. Cost: $3,400. Visit website at www.nativitypilgrimage.com or email Fr. Gerry directly at gbpaderon@gmail.com.

PRO-LIFE COURSE

We are offering a Pro-life course here at St. Thomas. If in-terested please contact the Pastoral Center 732.251.4000 Thank you!

“Having faith does not mean having no

difficulties, but having the strength to

face them, knowing we are not alone.”

Pope Francis

5

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

ST. THOMAS PREP Presents…..

VACATION BIBLE CAMP…

June 25-29,2018

More info will be forthcoming.

����������� ���������������� ���������������� ���������������� ���������

�� ���������� ���������� ���������� ��������

ST. PADRE PIO OFFICIAL RELICS

St. Francis Cathedral, 32 Elm Avenue, Metuchen

Tuesday, April 17, 9:00am-6:30pm

Come and venerate the official relics of Padre Pio, on the oc-casion of the 50th commemoration anniversary of his passing. Bishop Checchio will lead a Prayer service: 1pm.

6

SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH AND SCHOOL, OLD BRIDGE, NJ

PRAY FOR THE SICK

Anonymously Recommended, Carmella Agugliaro, Pat Barabas, Sophia Bielicki, Roberta Bodtmann, Barbara and George Boll-hardt, Michael Boyce, Craig Michael Buttcher, Ralph Chiano, Rosemarie Chimienti, Bryan Connolly, Eileen Connolly, Joyce Curley, Camella Dacunta, Mafalda Decleva, Josephine DiGio-ranni, John D’Mello, Nancy Donoghue, Leonard Fein, Sharon Ferrari, Richard Formica, Tom Franken, Laurenzo Fusco, Kay Gage, Joseph Gambino, Johanna Gordon, John Grazziano, Char-lotte Guarino, Mary Haraz, Dolores Higgins, Rich and Fran Ho-gan, Katie, Modesta Lombardo, Father of Mayra Medina, John Oghia, Ralph Perez, Sam Pontieri, Michael Quinlan, Frank Ra-nelli, Harry Rothlin, Michael Ruffley, Joseph Russo, Jr., Cousin of Carol Safchinsky, Paul Sachkowsky, Claire Salamon, Lynn Santos, Donna Shenesky, Roman Stefano, Ruth Tschinkel, Theresa Veverka, Ron Weber, Susan Whitlock, Mary Yuhas, Edward, Candida and Edward, Jr. Zglobicki. Please pray for all

the sick. (Names will remain on our sick list for one month

after which time they will be removed, unless we are notified to

the contrary.) The Clergy will be happy to visit parishioners

confined to local hospitals. Phone the Pastoral Center.

••Life Choices Peer Counselor training: Are you a good listener? Life Choices, a Pregnancy Help Center, assists women faced with an unexpected pregnancy. (732-516-0911) or lifechoices @optonline.net. ••Relay for Life of Old Bridge, May 19, 12 Noon until Midnight! Info: Janet Reed chaplainj2007@gmail.com or Vicky Allen: vicky.allen@cancer.org/732.292.4264. ••Good Shepherd Church needs your help! Saturday, June 2, McDivitt Elementary School. Help pack meals for Haiti! gs4nj.org/mealpacking. You can donate or volunteer to help pack the meals for Haiti. Together we can feed the hungry!

HOT LINE NUMBERS:

• Alanon/Alateen: 1-888-425-2666

• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-992-0401

• Nar-Anon of NJ 1-877-424-4491

• Alcoholics Anonymous: 1-888-568-1112

• Domestic Violence: 1-800-572-7233

• NJ Gamblers Anonymous: 1-855-222-5542

• Suicide/Crisis: 1-800-999-9999

ARE YOU ABLE TO…

...drive a parishioner to a doctor’s appointment/Mass? If so, please contact Deacon Pat, 732.251.4000 x8218.

MEN OF ST. JOSEPH

PRAYER GROUP

Men of our parish (any age) are invited to join for a morning hour of prayer, readings and discussion: Monday’s 6am-7am (Pastoral Center). With St. Jo-

seph as our role model, this group hopes to inspire a more faith-focused approach to the workweek and our paternal roles by inviting God in. Info: Deacon Joe: joetobin-inebnj@gmail.com.

BINGO

(Including progressive) All proceeds support Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish School: Sundays - 5:00pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays - 11:30am; Friday—9:00pm and Midnight.

SENIOR’S MEETING

Monday, April 23, 1pm in the Pastoral Ctr.

HOLY NAME UPCOMING EVENTS Patriots Baseball, Party Deck: Saturday, May 19. Buffet and Fireworks. More details forthcoming. Info: George 732.238.5743 or John 732.763.3280.

CALENDAR RAFFLE WINNERS… ..results up to April 15 or check our website for updates: www.

saintthomasob.com

PREMIER CARE HAVEN WALKIN BATHTUB...

and Spa For Sale. Perfect for the elderly or disabled. Used only a handful of times. Includes: Air jets, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and chromo therapy. $3,000. Info: Kate 732.433.3271 or email: kate_mcgoey@mac.com.

MONTHLY CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Interfaith Network of Care, Inc is hosting this group on the second Wednesday of each month, 3pm in St. Paul Church Hall (basement –Education Bldg) Milltown. RSVP in ad-vance to 732.247.1655. Facilitator: Shonda Baker, MSW.

BISHOP GEORGE AHR HS

One Tingley Lane • Edison, NJ

Spring Open House • Tuesday, April 17, 7pm

Info: 732.549.1108 or website bgahs.org for more details.

K of C PASTA DINNER

61 Pine Street, Old Bridge

Sunday, June 3, Homemade Italian pasta dinner with meatballs, salad, fresh Italian

bread, soda and dessert. Musical entertainment by the Joey Katz Orchestra with Bob Kulik performing. Tickets are $20 for adults, children $7.50. Discounts for groups of 10 or more. Phone: 732.251.9817 for reservations.