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UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
The Stations of the Cross and the interior and exterior statues are now in place.
The pews and sanctuary furniture were delivered on November 28 and complete installation is scheduled for this week.
The organ was delivered and will be ready for the Dedication ceremony.
Cement work is now complete and the parking lot has been paved this week.
Landscaping has been completed.
Work on making the sound system operational has begun.
The Baptismal font, Tree of Recognition and the Donor Plaque will be installed during the week of December 12.
We are still on track to meet the date of December 18 for the Dedication Ceremony. Bishop Galante will preside over the Dedication.
The Ceremony will take place in conjunction with the 11:30 AM Mass. So mark your calendars.
You won't want to miss attending this joyous event!!! |
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Initial goal $2,250,000
Total pledges $2,160,245
Gap $ 89,755
At this time of year, many people are already thinking about the imminent tax season. If you plan on increasing your charitable donations, we that you consider supporting or increasing your gift to the Capital Campaign, which supports building our new Church.
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CHURCH DEFINITIONS
Are you confused about terminology being used to describe parts of the new Church? Listed below are descriptions of some of the words that may be new to you:
NAVE - This is the name of the main body of the Church.
AMBO - This is being used in lieu of the pulpit, both words refer to an elevated stand from which the Word of God is proclaimed.
NARTHEX - You can think of this as the vestibule of a church. It is the entrance hall that leads to the nave of a church. In our case, this space could also be used for overflow seating.
e main body of the church.
REREDOS - In ecclesiastical terms, the word reredos is used to describe a decorative wooden wall at the back of the altar. In our new church, this wall will reach almost as high at its peak as the stained glass window. The crucifix will be attached to this wall which will also have an opening in it behind the altar where the tabernacle will be placed. |
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NEWSLETTER INFO If you have any suggestions, ideas or questions about the newsletter, please contact Kathy Maguire at 215 680 0526 or email to KKJM22@aol.com. |
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 NURSING HOME MINISTRY One service provided by members of St. Joseph's Parish that many people are not aware of is the Nursing Home Ministry. This group visits members of our parish who reside in Crest Haven and Ocean View Nursing Homes. Kitty Kelly, pictured above, oversees this venture. There are approximately twelve parishioners who are part of the team. They take Holy Communion to the residents of each facility who are members of our Parish and spend some time visiting with them. They have also added several other Catholics residents who have asked to receive the Eucharist. Each volunteer brings a copy of the Weekly Parish Bulletin since the parishioners love to read about Parish events. They also leave a copy if the resident is sleeping or otherwise occupied to let them and their families know that they had a visitor from St. Joseph's. The visits take place on Tuesday and Wednesday each week. With the current number of volunteers, it amounts to everyone going about once a month. They would love to expand to other nursing homes in the area. However, to do so, more volunteers are needed. Kitty says that "it is an extremely rewarding experience to see how happy and grateful the people are to see you". If you have any interest in being a volunteer, please contact Kitty Kelly at 263-7236. You will be glad that you did!!! |
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AND WITH YOUR SPIRIT
On Sunday, November 27, we were introduced to The New Roman Missal that advocates say is not only more faithful to the original Latin liturgy but also more poetical. The first English translation of the Mass was introduced 40 years ago in the wake of Vatican II. The original translators worked under the principle of dynamic equivalence, meaning the goal was not to translate the text word for word but to express the text's essential meaning in words understandable to the average person.
This new translation began in 2001 and was approved in 2010, when Pope Benedict XVI remarked, "Many will find it hard to adjust to unfamiliar texts after nearly forty years of continuous use. The change will need to be introduced with due sensitivity, and the opportunity for catechesis that it presents will need to be firmly grasped. I pray that in this way any risk of confusion or bewilderment will be averted, and the change will serve instead as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world."
Much like the new calendar year, when people accidentally write in the old year on their checks until February or so, there were a few slip-ups at St Joseph. Change is difficult but this change should be viewed as an opportunity to re-engage with our faith. Some words sound odd and don't yet roll off our tongues but perhaps, this is a good thing. Over the coming weeks, we will be forced to pay a little closer attention, to listen carefully and to think before responding, which one would hope will make our prayers more meaningful as a result.
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THE HOLY REDEEMER FOOD PANTRY
Pictured above are volunteers (front,from left) Rocky Santarcangelo, Cass Rosmini Ginny Neshel, Marion Matticola and Kathy Wilson. (back, from Left) John Falcone, Dave Barry, Jr. Leo Volgesong, Ken Kryszczun, Frank Short, Bill Wilson, Ed Gheysens and Marty Connor.
The Holy Redeemer Food Pantry, is staffed by volunteers and we are proud to say the majority of them are from our parish. This group realizes how the economy is negatively impacting local families simply because each month, more and more new faces are appearing at the pantry's door in search of a bag or two of food. Unfortunately, the food pantry's shelves are light with canned goods, fruit juice and dry cereal. THE NEED FOR HELP FROM THE PUBLIC IS NOW GREATER THAN EVER.
According to Food Pantry Coordinator, Marion Matticola of St.Joseph's, "As quickly as donations come in, they go out. We are seeing more families come in for food than ever before. In November, we had over 100 more requests for food than we did the month before. Also, the people who are coming to us for help are from every walk of life. We don't turn anyone away, because our mission is to support families. But, we are hoping that anyone who is able to make a donation, will please do so."
Rocky Santarcangelo, another parishioner and long time volunteer said," This bad economy is bringing families to their knees. DONATIONS ARE NEEDED AND THEY ARE NEEDED NOW!"
Those wishing to made monetary donations can send checks (payable to "Holy Redeemer Food Pantry") to 1801 Route 9 North, Swainton, NJ 08210. Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at the same address on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am to 12 noon. For additional information about the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry, phone 609-463-6027.
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CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS 2011/NEW YEAR 2012 MASS SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS EVE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24th
4:00p.m. Family Mass - New Church
5:30p.m. Mass - New Church
CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25th
8:00a.m. - New Church
9:30a.m. - New Church
11:00 a.m. - New Church
No Evening Mass on Christmas Day
UPCOMING EVENTS
Catholic Daughters Bake Sale - Dec. 10 and 11.
On Tuesday, December 13, The Knights of Columbus are hosting the Annual Shut In Lunch. There will be lunch, presents and even Santa Claus!! Contact J. B. Flora at 263-9357.
On Wednesday, December 14, The Knights of Columbus are hosting their annual Christmas dinner Dance at the Se Isle City Yacht. Tickets may be purchased from Joe Maty, Tony Elhajj or Vic Gentile.
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