1-558

It’s Gaudete Sunday—that means it’s almost Christmas!

The word Gaudete means “rejoice”, and it’s taken from the

O Antiphon of the day. The readings and the pink (the

priests call it “rose”) vestments reflect our sense of joy at

the approaching celebration of Christmas. At the same

time, the readings are reminiscent of Lent—they are used at

that time as we draw near to Jesus’ ultimate destiny. This

day is somewhat of a companion to Laetare Sunday; the

Fifth Sunday in Lent. And the readings are also reflective

of Lent. The two seasons are very much linked; we cele-

brate Jesus’ coming, and the fulfillment of why he came.

Today’s first reading from Isaiah is a scroll that Jesus read

in a Synagogue during his public ministry, which we often

hear during Lent. It’s about jubilee—a time of celebration

of God’s love and justice toward us. We read it today be-

cause Jesus is the bringer of God’s justice to us.

The second reading entreats us to rejoice, pray always, live

in gratitude, welcome the Holy Spirit, and remember to live

courageously; because God will always fulfill in us what-

ever God calls us to. Jesus came to model this way of life

for us, and we expand his reign by living it out.

Our Gospel is an echo of last week’s Gospel—we see John

still talking about being the voice crying out in the desert

and not being worthy of untying Jesus’ sandal. He’s still

talking about Baptism. Why? Because of the link between

Jesus’ birth and Jesus’ death. They’re inseparable. The

point of Jesus coming to us as a helpless baby is that he put

himself in our hands—from the food trough cradle we rele-

gated him to, to the grave we placed him in with our sin.

That may sound a little depressing on a day that I just said

was all about joy, but it’s Jesus’ redemption of us even

when we’re awful, that is the source of our joy.

When you consider God’s sense of justice—that he offers us hope and healing even in our sinfulness—does that in-spire joy in you? What does the similarity between Gaudete and Laetare Sundays say to you about what we celebrate at Christmas? As you approach Christmas (rapidly!), what are you most grateful for? What things are bringing you the most joy right now? How does your joy affect those around you?

TODAY’S GOSPEL

Third Sunday of Advent - December 13th, 2020

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

John 1:6-8

MASS TIMES DAILY:

Monday - Friday

@ 8:00 A.M. (Live Streamed on Mon., Wed., & Fri.)

WEEKEND: Sat. 4:30 P.M & Sunday @ 8AM & 10AM

(Live Streamed on 10AM only)

Please check this page for new

Office Hours & Procedures.

Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine New Office Hours:

Monday 9-3 / Tuesday 9-3 Wednesday 9-6 / Thursday 9-3

Friday 9-12 / Saturday 9-2 Parishioners will be seen by appointment only.

Call 732-462-7429 to make your appointment. All visitors are required to wear a mask and must maintain

social distancing for your protection, as well as the pro-tection of the clergy and parish staff.

THANK YOU

Mass Intentions 2021

In light of the limited number of Masses because of COVID-19, the Mass intention book is now open for in-tentions from January 1st - February 16th only. All visi-tors are asked to make an appointment with the Parish Office if they would like to get a Mass Card. Please be aware of the following: There will be two intentions per Mass.

Sample intentions:

Mr & Mrs Smith Family Parent and Child Individuals NO SAINTS No living intentions at this time

Based upon availability, a family may have one weekend Mass intention per year.

Sacraments and Mass Schedule

Private Prayer - Church will be open daily 7AM to 7 PM.

Daily Mass is celebrated (Mon-Fri) at 8:00 AM and will be live-streamed on Mon., Wed. & Fri.

Weekend Masses - In Church, Saturday 4:30 PM . Sunday 8AM & 10AM (livestream Sunday at 10AM only).

Confession - ADDITIONAL TIME—Starting on Decem-ber 15th Tuesdays from 12:10PM to 1:30PM and Tuesdays evenings (with Adoration) 7-8 PM & Sat. after the 4:30 PM Mass in the Church Bridal Room.

Funeral Masses - 10AM only Monday through Saturday based upon priest and church availability. Baptism – one baby at a time:

Schedule will be as follows, in both the Chapel and Church: Friday 7 PM, Saturday 12 PM & Sunday 1 PM.

3-558

WEEKLY REMEMBERANCE

The Sanctuary Lamps will burn for: MSGR. LEO BRERSTER

The St. Joseph Devotional Lamp will burn for:

THE PEOPLE OF THE PARISH

The Blessed Mother Devotional Lamp will burn for:

ROSEMARIE BONOMO

WEEKLY INTENTIONS

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 13TH, 2020

8:00 AM Debra Redzinski-Salinas Martha Monsees

10:00AM Anthony D’Ambrosio Dorothy Kenny Samson Azaula Ralph DiPalo The People of the Parish

Saturday

DEC. 12TH

4:30PM Edwin James

Frank Mrozek, Jr.

8:00AM Jane & John McNicholas Salvatrice Cirmia Belen Grasparil

Sunday

DEC. 13TH

Monday

DEC. 14TH

Tuesday

DEC. 15TH

Wednesday

DEC. 16TH

Thursday

DEC. 17TH

8:00AM Thomas J. Conti Giuseppina Testa

8:00AM Bridget Gowen Jane Pascazio

8:00AM Salvatrice Cirmia Nicola Testa

Friday

DEC. 18TH

8:00 AM John Bosco Francis Fabrizio

SAT.

It is with great happiness that we announce

our newest parishioners who have joined our Parish Family through the Sacrament of Baptism:

COLTON JOHN TATGENHORST EMILIA BETH CULP

TEAGAN LUCILLE SCHASTNY ALEXANDER MATTHEW GIOVINE ANDREW GEORGE CARMICHAEL

DOMINIC JOHN STANISLAUS

To inquire about Baptism procedures and scheduling please call the Parish Office 732-462-7429, Ext. 124.

Rosemarie Famulare

Grace West Chase Savino

Ron Beam Martin Newborn Kristy Dechenaux

Edilberto Bermudez Aubrey Minor

Sue Reeg, Carrie Salerno Neil Givens, Cathy Daniels

Norma Lopez

4-558

Music Ministry, Lectors, Sacristans, Ushers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers, Wedding Coordinator’s Ministry, Greeters, Liturgy Committee, Art and Environment, Ushers (Each ministry requires about 1 hour per week, a couple of weeks per month.)

Gaudete Sunday

WORSHIP

There’s a lot of pink in the Church today! But, if you ask a priest, he’ll tell you it’s rose. Pink…rose…either way, the vestments and Advent wreath candle reflect the fact that today is a day of celebra-tion and great joy. We are about halfway to Christmas, and that’s something worth celebrating! We call today “Gaudete Sunday” be-cause Gaudete means “rejoice.” Our entrance antiphon begins with the word “rejoice” and the first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah tells us that we should, “rejoice with joyful song”. The color pink (or rose) is a cheerful color that stands out in the midst of our penitential

purple. Some make the connection that pink is made by mixing red and white—the blood of Jesus with the wa-ter that came from his side in the crucifixion. Why bring that up? We can never talk about the joy we have as Christians without pointing to the death and resurrection of Jesus—it is this event from which is the source of our joy. In fact, it is the point of Jesus’ Incarnation—Christmas would be meaningless without it. Since it is a day to rejoice, think of a way that you or your family could mark this Sunday with a celebratory element…maybe cake? Sing Christmas carols and have cocoa? How can you make this day special? (you really can’t go wrong with cake…)

Do you wonder about anything in the Church or in our faith? Send your questions to Jen at

jschlameuss@strobert.cc

8-

3rd Sunday of Advent

CO-CATHEDRAL OF ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE

5-558

ADMINISTRATION Buildings and Grounds, Finance Committee. (Each group requires a few hours per month.)

DEC. 20TH

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

2nd Collection: No Second Collection

Protecting God’s Children - Making the Church a safe environment for all, particularly children and at-risk adults, is a major priority of the administration and staff of Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Family. Please take a look at the posters and “Safe Environment & Standards of Conduct Policy” that are posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Center. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how to make our church, homes and community safer, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator, Lisa Clarke at 732-462-7429, ext. 122 or lclarke@strobert.com. To report the sexual abuse of minors call the diocesan hotline 1-888-296-2965 or email abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. Please note: The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

Your continued generosity is most appreciated!

ONLINE GIVING NOVEMBER 27, 2020

Weekly Offering $4,107.00 Building Fund $208.00 Fr. Benedict Fund $30.00 Grounds Maintenance $63.00 Diocesan Assessment $100.00 Protecting God’s Children $76.00 Human Development $17.00

New Video Equipment

To make our livestreaming more professional and a better experience of the virtual celebration of Mass, we are pur-chasing new camera equipment. We will continue to livestream Masses after the threat of the virus has ended. The cost of this new equipment is in excess of $16,000 and we have received pledges totaling $30,540 which is enabling us to purchase additional, necessary equipment. May God bless you for your kindness!

THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you to all the parishioners who helped provide gifts for the less fortunate members of our community this Christmas season. This year, we helped over 131 families and over 350 children. This program would not be the remarkable success year after year, were it not for the embodiment of Christ’s selflessness that so many of our parishioners espouse. Happy, Blessed Christmas and New Year to all the parishioners of the Co-Cathedral of Saint Robert Bellarmine.

2020 Christmas Food Baskets

On Sunday, December 20th from 8:30AM to 12PM we will be accept-ing food baskets in the church parking lot by the angel statues. Items must be in a box, basket or laundry basket. The link to sign up is: www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c4aa5a92aa5f49-christmas1 Please do not include items that need refrigeration (eggs, milk, frozen pies). To drop off the baskets, gift cards or loose items, drive you vehicle to the designated area, open your trunk and we will take the basket or loose items. No need to get out of the vehicle.

Sign up to DELIVER: www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c4aa5a92aa5f49-drivers1 Same procedure as above. Open up the trunk and we will put the basket with the delivery address. All volunteers will be contacted and assigned the arrival time for pick up and delivery so everyone does not arrive at once.

For service hours certificates contact Jeanne at: jmarinel-lo@strobert.cc after December 20th.

As always, thank you in advance for your support!!

6-558

2020 Advent/Christmas Schedule

Advent Sacrament of Penance

Tuesdays 12:10pm to 1:30pm (No Adoration)

7:00 pm–8:00 pm Church Bridal Room & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Saturdays, after the 4:30 pm Mass – Church Bridal Room

Oplatki Christmas Wafers

There will be no distribution of Oplatki this year due to Covid 19 Restrictions

Anyone who wishes to order directly may contact one of the vendors below:

https://stjudeshop.com 1-800-523-7604

https://www.autom.com 1-800-521-2914

http://christmaswafers.com 1-716-283-8911

Christmas Mass Schedule Thursday, Christmas Eve - No morning weekday Mass

2:00 pm Mass, Church and livestreamed in Dentici Hall, YouTube, Facebook 4:00 pm Mass, Church and livestreamed in Dentici Hall, YouTube, Facebook

6:30 pm Mass, Church -10:00 pm Mass, Church

Friday, Christmas Day - 10:00 am Mass, 12:00 pm Mass, Church

Masses for New Year’s Day

Thursday, December 31st, 4:30 pm Mass, Church

Friday, January 1st, 10:00 am Mass, Church and livestreamed YouTube and Facebook

12:00 pm Mass, Church

8-558

9-558

7-558

558 St. Robert Bellarmine~ Freehold, NJ (3rd) John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net

“Tony’s”“Tony’s”FAMILY PHARMACYFAMILY PHARMACY

Tony DeBlasio, RPH.• Senior Citizen Discount• PAA & Most Insurance Plans Accepted• Surgical Supplies Available• Hudson Vitamins• Gifts• Cosmetics

CHADWICK SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER3333 Rt. 9 North, Freehold

308-3627308-3627

FREEFREEDELIVERYDELIVERY

732-462-1321

Handicap-Accessible FacilityOriginal Family Owned and Operated Since 1978

www.hasslerfuneralhome.com

Brian T. HasslerManager - N.J. Lic. No. 4054

George S. HasslerOwner & Director - N.J. Lic. No. 3193

732-364-6808980 Bennetts Mills Rd., Jackson

George S. Hassler Funeral HomeGeorge S. Hassler Funeral Home FEDERICI’SFEDERICI’SFreehold’s Old Honored NameFreehold’s Old Honored Name

Italian CuisineTake Out Orders

14 East Main, Freehold14 East Main, Freehold732-462-1312732-462-1312

AB CARPET & FLOORING STOREChristine and Walter Ganz - Family Owned and Operated

Concordia Shopping Center • 1600 Perrineville Rd., Monroe Township

Mon.-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat. 9am-3pm or 10am-4pmCARPET HARDWOODS

VINYL TILES & PLANKS

$250.00 OFFAny Sale $2,500 - $4,000$500.00 OFF

Any Sale $4,001 or moreWith this ad. Not valid with any other off ers.

609-395-5588abcarpetnj.comSenior Discounts Available

NMLS ID: 624067

In-Home Senior CareWe provide all kinds of assistance, from personal care to light housekeeping. We keep seniors in their own homes and enable them to live independently.

(732) 530-3636

Serving St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Since 2001

697 Broad Street, Shrewsburycomfortkeepers.com/centraljersey

VINCENT LISTAVINCENT LISTAMason ContractorMason Contractor

732-740-6913732-740-6913

V & RL’S INCV & RL’S INC

FREEH LD NJFREEHOLD, NJMario Schito Jr, Parishioner www.mswaste.com

Vincent J. Galantucci DMD

217 Taylors Mills Road Manalapan, NJ 07726

732-577-0580Evening and Weekend

Hours Availablevincentgalantuccidmd.com

Tired of Climbing Stairs?Rentals • Sales • Free Estimates

Family Owned & Operated Since 1947Family Owned & Operated Since 1947

908-402-113024 South Avenue • Fanwood, NJ

www.williamslifts.com$250 OFF

ANY NEWSTAIRLIFT

HIC

#13V

H04

2215

00

In Our 4th Decade of Quality Service

French Drains • Foundation Repair • Mold Remediation

732-777-7888www.morganbasementwaterproofing.com

All Work Guaranteed

ideal tileof freehold

I CA M T732-462-0315732-462-0315

Rt. 9 N. Pond Rd., Shp. Ctr, Freehold

What’s My Name?The #WHATSMYNAME

Movement asks everyone to simply ask drivers “What’s my name?” before entering their

vehicle to make sure it is the car they are supposed to enter.

In Remembrance of Samantha Josephson

#WHATSMYNAME

Mallory’s Army Foundation

United Together In The Fight Against Bullying...

Don’t Just Teach Kindness...

B E K I N D N E S S !www.MallorysArmy.com

(973) 440-8657info@mallorysarmy.org

It’s easy to join our mailing list! Just send your email address by text message:

Text MALLORYSARMY to 22828 to get started.

Message and data rates may apply.

558 St. Robert Bellarmine~ Freehold, NJ (inside) John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net

3580 Rt. 9 South, Freehold, NJ 07728732.462.7474

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING

Since 1983

1-732-417-4444FREE ESTIMATES

$25 Off Any ServiceN.J. Plbg. Lic. #8411

CONTEMPRA ELECTRICDependable Service & InstallationsServing All Your Electrical Needs

New Jersey Lic. #16229 Owner - Vincent Giacomo732-462-0066

VICTOR J. BUCCELLATO D.M.D., P.A.

~ Offi ce Hours By Appointment ~462-0021

507 Stillwells Corner Rd., Suite D ~ Freehold

More Than Just a BagelMore Than Just a Bagel

Happy Hour!

1/2 Price BagelsLast hour of the day

3681 Route 9 North, Freehold, NJ 07728(Same Shopping Center as Burlington Coat Factory and WOW Gym)

732-761-2288Fax 732-761-2299

When Your Ride Needs Some TLCWe’re Your Collision Repair SpecialistsSchool Buses • Cars • Heavy Duty Vehicles

RV’s • Emergency VehiclesAsk About Our Fleet Management Services

Plus, we handle all your insurance needs from start to fi nish.Call Us First!Family owned & operated since 1972

kbwnj.com • 111 Crow Hill Road • Freehold, New Jersey 07728

V&RL’s INCVINCENT LISTAMason Contractor732-740-6913

FREEHOLD, NJ

I

FREEMAN FUNERAL HOMESA Catholic Family Serving Freehold Since 1847

Glenn A. Freeman, Mgr., NJ Lic. No. 366247 E. Main St., Freehold

732-462-0808344 Rt. 9 No., Manalapan

732-972-8484

Local, trusted, proven, effective, supportive, referrals, relationships, affordable, repetitious, versatile, lasting. This describes the power of...

pp p p

Placing an ad in the parish bulletin supports the parish while building your business - THAT’S A WIN WIN! Call 1.800.333.3166!

B U I L D Y O U R B U I L D Y O U R C O M M U N I T YC O M M U N I T Y

- Shop Local -- Shop Small -

P L E A S E P A T R O N I Z E T H E A D V E R T I S E R S W H O M A K E T H I S B U L L E T I N P O S S I B L E !P L E A S E P A T R O N I Z E T H E A D V E R T I S E R S W H O M A K E T H I S B U L L E T I N P O S S I B L E !

B U I L D I N G A B U I L D I N G A S T R O N G E RS T R O N G E R

C O M M U N I T YC O M M U N I T Y

558 St. Robert Bellarmine~ Freehold, NJ (back) John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net

HOME STYLEITALIAN COOKINGCatering for all your

special occasions426 Chandler Rd., Jackson

(Cor. Jackson Mills Rd.)732-961-0951

Freehold Office Plaza 4251 US Hwy. 9N • Ste 3A

www.raccugliamd.com 732-780-3744

2008 Voted One of the Best of Monmouth County

CLAYTON M GIRR FUNERAL HOMESERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1860

R C. M G : O M NJ L . 3273100 E -A R : F T , NJ 07728

732-462-0101V : . .

Kathy Lo BueManaging Director

Your Partner in Wealth ManagementUnderstanding your needs - Helping you reach your goals!klobue@gleneagleadv.com www.gleneagleadv.com

SEC Registered Investment Advisor

Parishioner

Glen Eagle AdvisorsPinho Professional Center57 Schanck Rd., Suite C-4

Freehold, NJ 07728732-866-6660

Poet’s PharmacyAll Prescription Plans Welcome

Card Dept. • LotteryFree Delivery • Open 7 DaysPoet’s Square - Kozloski Rd.

732- 409-1100

Mary W. Myers, M.S., R.D.N.REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST

Freehold, NJ (732) 625-1513www.MaryRD.com

♦ Diabetes ♦ Disease Prevention♦ Healthy Eating ♦ Weight Reduction

F.S.F.S.732-409-6734732-409-6734 • • 24 Hr Emerg Svc: 908-415-4241908-415-4241

15% Disc. w/ ad (Service Work Only)Master Plumber Lic. #12532 • Master HVACR Lic. #19HC00320300 • HIC #13VH00674900

Plumbing, Heating Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning& Air ConditioningRepairs, Installations, Service Contracts

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

VENEERS, CROWNS, ROOT CANALS, COSMETIC DENTURES, IMPLANT PROSTHESIS, FAST BRACES®, GUM TREATMENTS

BARRY L. SANDOR, DMD, AFAAIDLOUIS SANDOR, JR. DDS, DABOI, MAGD

HIGGINSMEMORIAL HOME

Member by Invitation,Selected Indep. Funeral Homes

J. Nolan Higgins, Mgr. NJ Lic. # 346920 Center St. • Freehold732-462-0895

Berky’s Auto Service

est. 1952Complete Automobile Repair

Jackson Mills Road431-8687

i

Tom Lombardi732-495-3800

www.ablemechanical.com

Air ConditioningRefrigeration

Comm. Kitchen Repair

732-577-1516

freeweld@optonline.netwww.freeholdwelding.com

Patio Furniture & Miscellaneous

Welding Repairs

Kerrigan ElectricFREE ESTIMATES732-615-0005

All Phases of Electricwww.kerriganelectric.com

30 Yrs. Exp. • Lic. #10837

Florist & Gift ShopFlowers & Gifts

Fruit Baskets & BalloonsFor All Occasions732-431-0099www.efyfl orist.com

37 & 39 West Main Street

PUT YOUR FAITH IN US

REDCOMLLC.COM • (908) 233-4030

New Clients please join us

3352 Route 9 S., Freehold732-414-2900

B and E Locksmith & Safes LLCYou’re always “SAFE” with B and E

Commercial & Residential Services

14 South St., Freehold, NJ 07728732-780-1550 • F 732-780-1553

Bandelocksmith@yahoo.com

RIGHTWAY WATERPROOFING CO.

BASEMENT WATERPROOFINGMOLD REMEDIATIONFOUNDATION REPAIR

609-386-6969www.RightwayWaterproofi ng.com

FREE INSPECTIONLicensed & Insured

Family Owned and Operated Since 1987

Church

Member

Discounts