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Sacrament of Marriage Engaged couples should make arrangements with one of the priests one year in advance of the wedding date.

Sacrament of Baptism The Parish Community celebrates Baptisms on all Sundays of the month at 12:00 pm. One preparation session is required for first time parents. Parents should register by calling the Parish Office after the child’s birth.

Sacrament of Reconciliation The Sacrament of the Lord’s Forgiveness is celebrated Saturday afternoons at 5:00 pm. Other times for Reconciliation are announced in the bulletin, and by making an appointment with one of the priests.

Sacrament of the Sick

The Roman Catholic Church of

OUR LADY OF MERCY 9 0 WH I P P A N Y R O A D • WH I P P A N Y , N J 0 7 9 8 1

Served By Reverend Roberto Amador

Administrator olmchwhip@aol.com

Reverend Milton Camargo Parochial Vicar

frmilton@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Vincent LoBello, Deacon DeaconVinny@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Kamil Kiszka, Transitional Deacon

Reverend Francis Duffy Weekend Assistant

Lisa Dempsey, Pastoral Associate Lisa.Dempsey@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Lynda Asea, Parish Secretary olmchwhip@aol.com

Edwin Peterson, Trustee

Carmen Blandino, Parish Council President Ministries

Altar Linens Debbie Finn, 973-464-9035 olmAltarLinens@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Altar Servers Coordinator: Fr. Milton Camargo, 973-887-0050 frmilton@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Extraordinary Ministers Coordinators: Kathy Dittrick, 973-428-4996 & Marilyn Kuehner, 973-386-1742 olmEM@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Health Ministry Coordinators: Marlene Peterson & Kathy Dittrick, 973-428-4996 olmHealthMinistry@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Martha & Mary Ministry Patti Cobane, 973-386-1393 & Anne Roda-Farrell 973-884-2969 moserking@verizon.net

Ministers of the Word Coordinators: Rose Prisco, 973-884-2702 & Kim Gigantino, 973-463-0327 olmLectors@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Music Ministry & Ministry House Lisa Dempsey, 973-887-0767 olmMusicMinistry@ourladyofmercyparish.com

Prayer Shawl Ministry Coordinator: Janet Dodge, 973-887-2583 janleedod@yahoo.com

Usher/Ministers Coordinator: John Guido, 973-769-2528

Rectory & St. Mary’s

Cemetery Office 9 Parsippany Road, Whippany, NJ 07981 Rectory Office is open from... 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday Phone 973-887-0050 Fax 973-887-0991 E-Mail olmchwhip@aol.com

The Lord’s Day

Saturday Evening 5:30 pm

Sunday Morning 7:30, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Weekdays 9:00 am

Saturday Morning 9:00 am (Novena)

Holyday Eve 5:30 pm

Holydays

Religious Formation 9 Parsippany Rd, Whippany, NJ 07981

PreK-8th Grade Coordinator------------------------------Lisa Dempsey, 973-887-0767 Assistant Coordinator -----------------------------------------Lynda Asea, 973-887-0050 Email: olmRF@ourladyofmercyparish.com

9th & 10th Grade H.S. Confirmation Program Coordinator-------------------------------- Deacon Vincent & Majella LoBello

We Invite you to CELEBRATE THE EUCHARIST ON…

Sunday 12/17/17 Monday 12/18/17 Tuesday 12/19/17 Wednesday 12/20/17

3rd Sunday AdventCalendar RaffleRF K-5h gr onlySanta Visits OLM BP & Loaves & Fishes

Advent Penance Service7:30 PM in Church

CYO 6-9:30 Parish Ctr.

CYO 6-9:30 Parish Ctr. Simbang GabiNovena Mass7PM in the Church

DECEMBER 17, 2017THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SATURDAY, December 16th- Vigil Third Sunday of Advent5:30 P.M. Jamilyn Brierly Robert Grobarz

Dianne ZimmermanAndrew Molitoris, Sr (83rd Ann)Theresa & Cesare CaprioNicholas & Mary Caprio

SUNDAY, December 17th - Third Sunday of Advent7:30 A.M. Harry & Leila Sago

Robert, Steven and Patty Thompson9:30 A.M. Frank Cocca (24th Ann) Mary Nugent

Thomas & Veronica Bolcar and their sonsBill Joe and Paul Bolcar

11:00 A.M. Catherine & Henry NollVera & Clarence EphronSpecial Intention for Matthew Neptun

MONDAY, December 18th -

9:00 A.M. Chester ZiolkowskiThomas J. & Veronica Bolcar

TUESDAY, December 19th - 9:00 A.M. Theresa Maria Garruto (4th Ann)

Gennaro & Mary D’Ambrosio

WEDNESDAY, December 20th - 9:00 A.M. Eleanor Glackin

Joan Drury (13th Ann)

THURSDAY, December 21st - 9:00 A.M. Catherine Adamsky

FRIDAY, December 22nd - 9:00 A.M. Stanley Phelps Kurt Novy

SATURDAY, December 23rd - St. John of Kanty9:00 A.M. Mary Slowek Lojenski Marie Karr

Dianne ZimmermanVincent P. Loria (37th Ann)

SATURDAY, December 23rd- Vigil Fouth Sunday of Advent5:30 P.M. Terry Garruto (4th Ann) Pete Baros

Theresa Smith William Smith

SUNDAY, December 24th - Fourth Sunday of Advent7:30 A.M. Deborah Michaelson

Joyce Ann Michaelson9:30 A.M. People of the Parish

11:00 A.M. People of the Parish

GOD’S GIFT FOR GIFTING

December 10th $ 8, 177. 00Last Year $ 8, 051. 00

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention for December“The Elderly” - That the elderly, sustained by families and

Christian communities, may apply their wisdom and experienceto spreading the faith and forming the new generation..

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULEDec 16/17 Giving Tree Gifts Due Back Cookies with Santa in the link after 11AMDec 18th Advent Penance Service 7:30 PM in ChurchDec 20th Simbang Gabi Novena Mass 7PM in ChurchDec 23/24 4th Sunday Advent 5:30/7:30/9:30/11:00Dec 24th Christmas Eve - 4 PM, 8 PM & 10 PM MassDec 25th Christmas Day - 7:30 AM & 11AM only

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE CONCERTTHANK YOU

To all who helped make our "Christmas Presence"Concert another great success, thank you so

much! Special appreciation goes to all who supported theevent: parish council members for selling tickets and gettingour baker elves who provided delicious homemade goodies forour guests to enjoy during intermission and the adult choirsfrom First Presbyterian Church of Whippany, HildalePresbyterian Church, Notre Dame Church, and our own OLMAdult Choir for providing beautiful singing not only with theHanover Wind Symphony, but also during the intermission andas a prelude! The event, which broke previous records ofattendance, was truly enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you & Merry Christmas!Carmen Blandino, Chairman/President OLM Parish Council

IN MEMORYThe Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in the Chapel in loving memory ofMichael & Mary Brosonski andRichard & Margaret Larkin.

Thursday 12/21/17 Friday 12/22/17 Saturday 12/23/17 Sunday 12/24/17

CYO 6-9:30 PM PC CYO in PC6-9:30 PM

CYO 9AM - 9PM 4th Sunday AdventCalendar Raffle

Christmas Eve Masses4PM - 8PM - 10PM

For everything there is a Reason and a Timefor Every Purpose under Heaven

...A Time to Heal...Pray for the sick

Giuseppa Casarrubea, Pat Fusco, Connor Davey,Addie Cinquino, Connie Delio, Susan Nicoll, Carol,

Angela Cassano, Bill Van Hall, Dominic Guida, John Stolfi,Giovanna Cinquino, Mike McLaughlin, Pat Conforti, Angela,

Agnes Ryan, Kip Dangler, Irene D, Charles Realmonte, Roger,Linda Ann Celeste, Lucille Cocca, John Strumolo, Sr,

Cara Coughlin, Stephen Donnelly, Emma Carothers, Joe S., Joseph Mascia, Mark Herkek, James Giannetti, Lisa Compas,

Colton Ford Petronaci, Patrick J. Asay Jr, William Bulman,Kevin Mulligan, Stella, Jimmy Hark, Audrey Sherry, Justin T.,Arlene Gentile, Marylou Perrini, Michelle White, Patsy Manna,Chris Surrago, Richard Virgil, Ann Granziel, Paul Comerford,Pat Rue-an, Lorraine Azzinaro, Justin T., Angel Lamontagne,

Assunta Less, Bridget Murray, Neal Spickert-Fulton, Raye,Generoso Giesullo, Arlene Gentile, Angelina Martin, Mike,

Anita & Armando Geroldi, Tim Baxterm, Wagner Estivalletti,Christine McGarry, Ann-Marie Andre, Mackenzie Cunningham,

Theresa Pentz, Betty Deren, John Cordova, Beverly Fresco,Bob Flieger, Jean Marie Petrino, John Lenox, Michael Rado,Elaine Gieger, Jessica Hermans, Marie, Anthony LaFerrara,Peter D’Alessio, Mary Geraldine McHale, Belarmino Viegas,

Dolores Williams, Megan Fennie & John Yacat

...A Time to Die...Pray for the dead

Please pray for those buried in St. Mary’s Cemeteryand for those who have died especially Jack Kamphausen and Richard Ferrera

..A Time for Peace...Pray for peace and our enemies in our world,

in our homeland, and in our Church

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRYIf you are visiting someone this Christmaswho is sick or could use some prayer and

comfort, please consider bringing them a prayer shawl or lapblanket from our Prayer Shawl Ministry. For more info, pleasecontact Janet Dodge at: 973-887-2583.

THE MARTHA & MARY MINISTRYThe Martha & Mary Ministry is looking for a few morevolunteers who would be available on a Saturdaymorning for 60-90 minutes, one time per month. Ifyou are able to help, pease contact Anne Roda

Farrell at Moserking@verizon.net . Thank you.

ANGEL GIVING TREE 2017If you forgot to bring your angel gift or didnot take a tag and would like to participate, it’s not too late! Please drop off your gift atthe Rectory or contact Lisa. Thank you forhelping those in need

LITURGY CORNERThe Church reminds us today to be joyfulas we celebrate the Third Sunday ofAdvent, “Gaudete Sunday”. More than

two hundred years ago, Isaac Watts wrote, “Joy to the world,the Lord is come!” Do you ever wonder if that is really true? Is there joy in the world because Jesus was born? Yes! Thereis joy and happiness, celebration and song, excitement and“honest to goodness” merriment. There is hardly a nook orcranny, hardly a country on the entire earth that doesn’t haveat least some Christian people who join in celebrating Jesus’birth. Almost as though the Liturgy can’t wait to celebrate thepresence of the Savior, the Word of God tells us today:“Rejoice always”. Yet though it seems rather curious, most ofus do have to be reminded to be joyful! Or, we need remindingabout all the reasons we have to be joyful. Christian joy is ourresponse to the Good News. It is possible to be joyful in themidst of the Christmas hassle; it is possible to be serenelyjoyful despite unfulfilled plans, unaccomplished “to-do” lists,limited budgets, Christmas tree lights that don’t light and sorefeet. Somehow, all these things become changed whenviewed through those rose-colored glasses of God’s love. It isGod’s will that we be joyful! As we enter into our last week ofthe Advent Season, here are some questions to consider: Whyshould I be joyful? What is the difference between “having a goodtime” and being joyful? What does “Laughter is holy!” mean to me? When do I experience joy? When have I experienced joy despite painor disappointment? Whom do I know who is a truly joyful person? What makes him/her joyful? What is the relationship between joy andfaith? May God’s blessings be with you this third week ofAdvent. “Rejoice, for the Lord is near!”

FAITH AT HOMEIn ancient times, when someone importantwas to travel, the bumps along the way werefilled in and flowers lined the road. John’s role,

to make straight the way of the Lord, went even further.He helped others prepare their hearts for the Lord’scoming. Adults: How can I smooth out my spiritual paththis Advent season? Children: What small change can Imake to prepare my heart for Jesus?A Family Perspective: The season of Advent invites us torenew our lives in preparation for the coming of Jesus.The people who heard the message of John the Baptistrepented for their sins and were baptized as a sign ofGod's forgiveness. In Baptism, our sins are forgiven, andwe receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who helps us in ourlife of discipleship. Led by the Holy Spirit, we use thisAdvent season to renew our lives so that we, like John theBaptist, might prepare the way for Jesus. As you gathertogether as a family, talk about ways in which theexample of others has called you to be am follower ofJesus. Name the people who have been examples toyou of Christian discipleship and describe theircharacteristics that you have tried to emulate.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT OLM12/17 “Santa Visits OLM” 9:30 & 11AM

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS1/27 “Casino Night” Hanover Rotary Club; 2/2 “2nd AnnualChili Cook Off” Hanover Twp Rec Ctr

RELIGIOUS FORMATIONFormation sessions will then resume on Sun 1/7 &Tues 1/9. If you have any questions or concernsplease feel free to contact us at the emails below:

K-8th email olmRF@ourladyofmercyparish.com or 9th & 10t olmConfirmation@ourladyofmercyparish.com

4PM CHRISTMAS EVE MASSWe are looking for children to help with ourtraditional presentation of the Nativity Story.We need animals, shepherds, angels, the 3Wise Men, Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus.. If your child is interested or you have anyquestions, please contact Lisa at 973-887-0767or Lisa.Dempsey@ourladyofmercyparish.com

2017 OLM FALL CALENDAR RAFFLEThe Calendar Raffle winners for 12/10-12/16

Sunday Helen Kasiski $ 100Monday Madeline Fornaro $ 50Tuesday Joseph Mistretta $ 50 Wednesday Joan Bedkowski $ 50Thursday Frank Ruiz $ 50Friday Robert Smith $ 50Saturday Patty Connolly $ 50

There are still some opportunities to win including the $500prize for Christmas! Tickets are drawn after the 9:30 AMMass. Remember: YOU MUST BE IN IT TO WIN IT!!!!!

CHRISTMAS/OPLATKI BREADThe breaking of the Christmas wafer is a customthat began in Poland in the 10th century and ispracticed by people of Polish ancestry around theworld. It is considered the most ancient andbeloved of Polish traditions. The Christmas wafersymbolizes the unity of the family, which manyconsider to be the main pillar of society.

According to beliefs, the bond of unity should exist betweenfamily members. The father is seen as the link in theunbroken chain of One Body, One Bread, One Christ, andOne Church, while other family members join him in thiseternal procession. The wafer also symbolizes forgivenessand reconciliation. The Christmas/ Oplatki Bread is availablein the Meditation Chapel

ONLINE GIVINGElectronic Giving is an easier, more secure wayto make your regular contributions to ourChurch through automated giving. Reasons to

sign up for Electronic Giving: 1. No need to write checks orbring cash to church. 2. Peace-of-mind knowing that thechurch is receiving your contribution even if you are unable toattend. 3. More secure than checks. 4. All contributions arerecorded for you on your bank statements with date ofsettlement. 5. IT COSTS YOU NOTHING!! (This is awonderful way to support the parish during the holidayseason) Sign Up Today. Call the Rectory at 973-887-0050 orclick the online giving button on our website:www.ourladyofmercyparish.com Thank you for yourcontinued support of our parish family with your time, talentsand treasures

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSWe are accepting donations for Christmas flowersagain this year. The flowers will be used to decoratethe Church and Chapel. If you would like to give adonation for this purpose, either fill out the envelope in

your Christmas packet or fill out the form below and return itwith your donation either in the collection basket or to therectory by December 24th. (please print clearly)

Donated by ________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________

In Memory of:_______________________________________

_________________________________________________

HOLY HEALTH NEWS‘Tis the season to be jolly...let’s stay that waythrough the New Year! Health risks around theholidays include overeating, weight gain, lonelinessand depression. Here are some ways to protect

yourself while enjoying the season: 1. Be buffet savvy- beforegoing to that holiday buffet, have a light snack. Use a saladplate to keep portions smaller. Avoid foods rich in saturatedfat. Watch out for salty foods. Overdoing it at a party, includingdrinking too much alcohol and eating excessive salty foods cancause an irregular heart beat called “holiday heart”. It usuallyresults in a brief episode of afib and often resolves in 24 hours.If it lasts for hours or if accompanied with chest pain, shortnessof breath or fainting, it would be advisable to go to theemergency room. 2. The holidays are a happy time but theysometimes trigger feelings of loneliness and the blues. Tocombat these feelings of loneliness, include exercise in yourday. Exercise raises feel-good chemicals. Try seeing a movie,socializing and volunteering. If the feeling lasts more than twoweeks it might be time to consult with a physician for possibleclinical depression. Protecting yourself will ensure a happy,healthy holiday season. The OLM Health Ministry wishes you aMerry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year!

SIMBANG GABISimbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition of anine-day novena of Masses duringAdvent (12/15-23) in preparation for the

Nativity of our Savior, Jesus. This year all are invited to join ourDiocesan and parish-sponsored Simbang Gabi (Filipino for“Mass of the Night or Evening”) celebration on Wed Dec 20th at 7pm here in the Church. This nine-day novena iscoordinated by the Diocesan Commission for Catholic FilipinoMinistries (DCCFM) of the Diocese of Paterson. Refreshmentswill follow the Mass in the Parish Ctr. For more info pleasecontact Dens & Mina Mantes at 973-887-5904

ALTAR LINEN MINISTRYThis special and important ministry is conductedquietly behind the scenes in parishioners’ homes. Duties include picking up all soiled linens from the

Church, rinsing out the precious body and blood, washing,drying, ironing and returning the linens to ensure they arealways clean for Mass and other liturgies. If you are looking fora way to serve the parish in your home, this may be yourcalling, please contact Debbie Finn at 973-464-9035 orolmAltarLinen@ourladyofmercyparish.com

ANNUAL MEN’S RETREATBeginning Fri eve 1/19 - Sun 1/21, we invite allmen from our parish family to join us at LoyolaRetreat House in Morristown. A time to relax,

reflect and get a fresh start for the New Year. The theme is“Transformation” - letting go of past hurts and wounds so thatwe can be transformed into the person God has called us tobe, living a full and joyful life! It is a wonderful experience andthe cost is a free will offering of your choice. For more info,please contact John Hendricks at 973-386-0291 or BrianO'Toole at 973-884-1510.

Dear friends,

What a wonderful Christmas concert we had last Sunday afternoon! As I said at the intermission, when I came here to OLM many asked me if I would keep the concert. I thought they were talking abouta regular Christmas Concert that most of the parishes do with their own choir. However, on Sunday I realized that there is nothing “regular” about our Concert. It is amazing! Thank you very much to thosewho are involved with it for that happy and joyful afternoon which anticipates the joy of Christmas in thehearts of our parishioners and many other people who come together in faith to foretaste the Nativity ofOur Lord and Saviour.

This weekend we are taking our Giving Trees down. It has been beautiful to watch how many of you and even our children go to the Trees to take tags to buy gifts for those less fortunate than we are. This gesture of love becomes a figure of the Mystery of the Nativity, since God gave us his only Son as the best gift of our lives that we may never feel alone. Thank you for your good deeds. It talks about how loving our community is.

Last Sunday at 9:30 am we had a little Penance Service for our Confirmation Program and on Tuesdayat 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm we finished with the confessions for the rest of our children in our ReligiousFormation Program. How beautiful it is for a priest to have the opportunity to talk for a couple of minuteswith our children and contemplate the depth of their faith. It is even more beautiful to experience thatthose who sometimes don’t behave the best have the greatest confessions. The catechists in theConfirmation Program did a very graphic representation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They hada backpack full of stones. On the stones were written different words (patience, forgiveness, faith,hope, sex…). Sometimes these things weigh on our shoulders because of the way we live, asbelievers, these realities. When we confess our sins through the Sacrament, the Lord takes out of ourbackpack those stones which weigh on us and slow us down in following Jesus. Next Monday Dec 18th

we will have our Parish Penance Service at 7:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to take out of ourhearts all that weigh on us and impedes us from walking on the Lord’s path.

On Wednesday Dec 20th at 7:00 pm we will celebrate a Mass at the Church with the FilipinoCommunity. They are a very faithful group who celebrate a Christmas Novena every year. All areinvited to participate. Afterwards they will gather at the Parish Center to celebrate with wonderful food. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste Filipino delicacies.

Next week, Dec 24th, will be Christmas Eve. However, we cannot forget the 4th Sunday of Advent. We will celebrate the Last Advent Mass in the morning, then in the evening at 4:00 pm, 8:00 pm and10:00 pm we will celebrate Christmas Eve. This means that we may go to Church twice next Sunday. On Monday morning we will celebrate Christmas at 7:30 am and 11:00 am. It is a very demandingweekend since Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. Thank you for the great effort you make to live yourfaith consistently and with generous hearts. Let us continue to prepare ourselves for the greatcelebration of the Nativity of the Lord.

God bless you all,

Fr. Roberto

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