SCofA Office of Faith Formation Newsletter

Week of January 3,

2016

Office of

Faith Formation

Hours

Sunday

9:30am-11:45am

at the school

Monday

9am-2pm at the

Parish Office

4:30pm-7:30pm

at the School

Tuesday

No Hours

Wednesday

At the Parish

Office

by appointment only

Thursday

No Hours

Friday/Saturday

Closed

NO HOURS

Phone #

856-467-5426

Fax #

Page 2 From Deacon Joe Page 3 Celebrating Epiphany this Week at Home Page 4 St. Clare Parish News Page 5 Congratulations to the Newly Baptized at St. Clare!

Page 6 Faith Formation,News, Sacrament Corner, GARS NEWS Pages 7&8 Around the Diocese

SCofA Office of Faith Formation

Newsletter Week of January 3, 2016

PAGE 2

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - We celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord! As we celebrate this event

in scripture we forget the significance and the importance of the scripture; the wise men, their gifts, and the

meaning of their gifts.

The Gospel of Matthew mentions the Magi who came from the East to worship the newborn Christ child

(cf. Matthew 2:1-12). Exactly who the magi were though remains somewhat of a mystery. Often times, the English

translations of the Bible use the word astrologers for magi. In Greek, the original language of the Gospel, the word

magos (magoi, plural) has four meanings: (1) a member of the priestly class of ancient Persia, where astrology and astronomy were prominent in Biblical times

(2) one who had occult knowledge and power, and was adept at dream interpretation' astrology, fortune-telling,

divination, and spiritual mediation

(3) a magician

(4) a charlatan, who preyed upon people using the before mentioned practices.

From these possible definitions and the description provided in the gospel, the magi were probably Persian

priest-astrologers who could interpret the stars, particularly the significance of the star that proclaimed the birth of

the Messiah. (Even the ancient historian Herodotus (d. 5 century BC) would attest to the astrological prowess of the

priestly class of Persia.)

More importantly, the visit of the magi fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament: Balaam prophesied about the

coming Messiah marked by a star: "I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance

from Jacob and a staff shall rise from Israel..." Psalm 72 speaks of how the Gentiles will come to worship the

Messiah: "The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts, the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All

kings shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him" (72:10-11). Isaiah also prophesied the gifts: "Caravans of

camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankin-

cense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord" (Isaiah 60:6).

St. Matthew recorded that the Magi brought three gifts, each also having a prophetic meaning: gold, the gift for a

king; frankincense the gift for a priest; and myrrh -- a burial ointment, a gift for one who would die. St. Irenaeus

(d. 202) in his Adversus haereses offered the following interpretation for the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh

respectively King, God, and Suffering Redeemer as well as virtue, prayer, and suffering.

Traditionally, we think of the three magi as the three kings. We usually have the three kings in our nativity sets. We

even sing, "We three kings of orient are...." Here the three gifts, Psalm 72, and the rising star in the East converge to

render the Magi as three kings travelling from the East.

Since the seventh century in the Western Church, the magi have been identified as Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.

A work called the Excerpta et Collectanea attributed to St. Bede (d. 735) wrote, "The magi were the ones who gave

gifts to the Lord. The first is said to have been Melchior, an old man with white hair "long beard... who offered gold

to the Lord as to a king. The second, Gaspar by name, young and beardless and ruddy complexion. . . honored Him

as God by his gift of incense, an oblation worthy of divinity. The third, black-skinned and heavily bearded, named

Balthasar. .. by his gift of myrrh testified to the Son of Man who was to die."

As we celebrate Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany, we too must be mindful of our baptism to serve the Lord

through our prayers, our worship, our self-sacrifice especially in this year of Mercy which Pope Francis has pro-

claimed for 2016. How do we, as individuals and together as Church, celebrate this year of Mercy? Maybe we can

start by looking at the Beatitudes and then looking into our hearts.

God bless you all for being gifts to the Lord and our church. Deacon Joe Garozzo

SCofA Office of Faith Formation

Newsletter Week of January 3, 2016

PAGE 3

SCofA Office of Faith Formation

Newsletter Week of January 3, 2016

PAGE 4

St. Clare Parish News

Knights of Columbus

American Red Cross

Blood Drive

Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 2pm to

7pm in the Swedesboro Parish

Hall. Please come out and support the

American Red Cross.

Contact Tom Hilferty 467-3135.

Fr. Dave Has Needs of your Skills

St Clare of Assisi and Fr. Dave is looking for volunteers who have skills in the following areas:

Development and fundraising Building and grounds Construction project manager

In the upcoming months we have several challenging projects. If you can help, please call the of-

fice and leave a message with Nancy.

Thank you.

Update on St. Michael’s Church HVAC

I want to give you an update on the HVAC system at St. Michael’s Church.

Parishes and Pastors have spending limits for financial management within the diocese. Major projects like HVAC are under-

taken with diocesan procedures, policies and oversight. During last winter, when the heating system failed, we asked for emer-

gency expedited permission to replace our 45-year old heating and air conditioning system. The bid was near $300,000 installa-

tion from start date with a projected 12 week project completion. Council chose to pre-order the units needed with bids coming

in at 8 week project completion.

Finance Council had concerns about the price and the recommended system, and advised going to the 3 bid process. To our

frustration, this has dragged out. The request for bids drew about 8 companies. Only 2 submitted bids by the due date with both

being over budget. Those who did not bid were queried and they advised they needed more time to bid. The 2nd request for bids

has now been sent out with a due date of December 30.

St. Michael’s Church will reopen when the heating and air conditioning systems are replaced; which looks to be early March at

this time. Fr. Dave

March for Life—This annual event pro-

vides

America’s citizens an opportunity to speak

with one voice about their concern for respect for hu-

man life. Please consider becoming a participant. Four

local Knights of Columbus Councils, will join the

March for Life, Washington, DC, on January 22.

A bus will be available for approximately 14

members from each parish to travel without personal

expense.

For more information, please call 856-241-0935.

SCofA Office of Faith Formation

Newsletter Week of January 3, 2016

PAGE 5

St. Clare Parish News

Dylan Dymar Ameca Liam Dale Barrow Riley Harper Buley Taylor Madison Buley Josephine Avery Carola Rose Susan Constantino Nicholas Vincent D’Agostino Gracie Margaret Del Tufo Madelena Anne Di Domenico Ellie Lenora Grusemeyer Anya Amy Kuznik Timothy Tyler Kuznik

Christian Matthew LaBarbera Elizabeth Anne Marucci Jayce Patrick Mullen

Liam Joseph Murphy

Beau William Parker Heidi Elizabeth Parker Benjamin Andrew Parkin

Jude Alexander Romine Kindrick Dwayne Romine III Giovanna Michelle Sandy

Congratulations and Welcome to the

Newly Baptized

As a reminder, St. Clare of Assisi Parish

does not baptize during Lent.

Baptism Information

Baptisms are celebrated during the Masses on Sun-

days, twice a month on Saturday mornings in

Swedesboro and twice a month after the Masses on

Sundays in Paulsboro.

The Parent Prep Classes are held on the 4th Tuesday

of each month in the Swedesboro Parish Office.

SCofA Office of Faith Formation

Newsletter Week of January 3, 2016

PAGE 6

Faith Formation News Sacrament Corner

First Reconciliation Retreat

Saturday, January 23rd

Swedesboro School Building

1225 Kingshighway

9am—11 am Session BS & DS

12 noon—2 pm Session CS & ASREP

3pm—5 pm FREM & Catholic School

Email reminders will be sent after the holidays

***********************************************

First Reconciliation

Tuesday, February 16th

Saturday, February 20th

Emails with selections have already been sent

The Office of Faith Formation -

provides spiritual formation in a traditional

religious education program (PREP), alterna-

tive Summer model (ASREP) and home school

model (FREM) and children over the age of

reason (7) and older who are not baptized or

catechized.

All students attending Catholic and Public

Schools are prepared for sacraments through

the Office of Faith Formation. For more

details, please visit our website:

www.stclarenj.org

and click on Children’s Formation

(on the stained glass window!)

GUARDIAN ANGELS REGIONAL SCHOOL

Catholic Schools Weeks

Catholic Schools Week is just around the corner and we are excited to celebrate this wonderful

week of events as we recognize and give thanks to all who are members of our parish school family.

More information regarding the week’s events will be coming soon. Mark your calendars for Mon-

day, February 1st will be our Catholic Schools Week (CSW) Open House. We hope to see you

there!

For more info, please visit us on the web at

www.gars-online.com or contact the

GARS School Office at (856)423-9440.

SCofA Office of Faith Formation Newsletter

Week of January 3, 2016 PAGE 7

Around the Diocese

The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe envi-ronment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to com-ply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years.

CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. Adults are taught that children have the right to be safe, strong and free. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees.

CAP 2 is called CAP’s Bullying Prevention Program and is a workshop addressing bullying awareness and bul-lying prevention. Cyber-bullying is also presented.

CAP 3 is called Cyber-Empowerment and is a workshop which promotes adults understanding of cyber activ-ity of youth while teaching them realistic ways to help children keep their own rights and guard the rights of others in the cyber-sphere.

Adults who are new employees or volunteers should attend CAP 1 before attending CAP 2 or CAP 3. After five years, adults have the option of attending CAP 1, 2 or 3 when they renew their CAP.

Sessions offered in January 2016 for CAP 1:

Thursday, January 07, 2016 7:00pm Cape Trinity Catholic; 1500 Central Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Thursday, January 14, 2016 10:00am St. Gianna Beretta Molla; 1421 New Road, Northfield, NJ 08225

Tuesday, January 20, 2016 7:00pm Gloucester Catholic High School 333 Ridgeway St; Gloucester, NJ 08030

Thursday, January 28, 2016 7:00pm Holy Eucharist Parish; 344 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

Sessions offered in January 2016 for CAP 2:

NONE

CAP Phase 3 – Cyber Empowerment

NONE

To attend one of these classes, please call the CAP REGISTRATION LINE with the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (856)583-6165.

Please leave your name and the Session Date you are attending; you will not receive a call back. Please register at least five days before the session you would like to attend.

The CAP schedule, location, phone numbers and directions may be found on the diocesan website

www.camdendiocese.org/cyp. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER PLEASE CALL THE LOCATION DIRECTLY.

Trip to Holy Land in April 2016

The Jubilee Year of Mercy began on December 8 and the faithful are encouraged to pilgrimage to

Holy Doors of churches throughout the world. St. Anthony Parish in Ambler, Pennsylvania is trav-

eling to the Holy Land in April 2016 and will visit 2 of the designated basilicas: Basilica of Geth-

semane in Jerusalem and the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth as well visit all the major

sites of Jesus life and ministry from Galilee to Jerusalem. St. Anthony’s has been traveling success-

fully to the Holy Land since 2009 and has shepherded pilgrims with the utmost care and safety. For

more info, call St. Anthony Parish at 215-646-4742.

SCofA Office of Faith Formation Newsletter

Week of January 3, 2016 PAGE 8

more...Around the Diocese

VITALity

Catholic Healthcare Services

Do you or someone you love need

care at home?

It is the single gateway to help at home for seniors and persons with disabilities seeking to remain healthy, safe and secure in

their homes. Staffed by caring professionals, the VITALity helpline:

· Provides info and access to medical, community and Diocesan health services.

· Arranges for care coordinators (Registered Nurses and Social Workers) to visit you at your home or parish.

· Coordinators will access your healthcare needs, help identify health risks, provide valuable health education and con-

nect you with the medical and community services you need.

VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services is a Healthcare Ministry of the Camden Diocese. Services are provided at no cost and

are funded through the House of Charity and the Healthcare Foundation of the Camden Diocese. Contact the Diocese of Cam-

den’s Home & Parish Healthcare Services Resource and Referral Help Line at 1-888-26-VITALity (1-888-268-4825).

Visit us at: vitalty.camdendiocese.org.

2016 Camden Charismatic Winter Retreat

The Power of Intercession

January 29, 30 & 31

Our lady of Blessed Sacrament Parish Center,

601 Central Ave. Landisville NJ

Fr. Ariel Hernandez, Retreat Master. $150 per person includes retreats events, room accommodation & meals based

on double room occupancy. Rate for retreat without room: $70 per person for weekend which includes lunches

and dinners only (no breakfast). Contact Pat Loughran for all details and reservations at 609-602-0395 or email at

patl341@yahoo.com. For more info: www.camdencharismatic.org.

Job Opening for a Principal

Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Newfield, an all-girls Catholic School – Grades 9-12, has an opening position for a

Principal. For details go to: www.olmanj.org.

Are you an RN?

If you are then you have the unique perspective of seeing how the mind and spirit work together for the overall health and

wellbeing of each patient. It is this combination of physical, emotional and spiritual care that heals the whole person. If this

sounds like something you believe in, you may want to explore the ministry of Parish Nursing. This ministry continues the

healing work of Jesus in your faith community by tending to the needs of its people. Please contact Mary Anne Serra, RN at

856-583-6120 or email Mary at

maryann.serra@camdendiocese.org.

Jubilee of Mercy, Mercy Works January: “Welcome the Stranger”

Mercy Works is a project that invites the diocesan community to observe the Jubilee Year by deepening our commitment to working for

peace and justice in our own region and beyond.

The Catholic Church here in the US observes National Migration Week from January 3-9, a period of prayer, education, and action around

issues that affect immigrants and refugees. Take some time with your family this week to visit the National Migration Week website, where

you can download a beautiful prayer card, learn about how the Church is responding to the Syrian refugee crisis, and email your lawmakers

to urge them to take action to protect refugees. Access the website here:

www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week.

(Or, more simply, just Google “National Migration Week.”)