MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 6:00 PM (Vigil Mass) Sunday: 7:30 & 9:30 AM English 11:00 AM Italian 12:30 PM English (Family Mass) 7:00 PM Portuguese Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM Other Services & Activities: Monday to Saturday: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer Tuesdays: 9:00 AM Legion of Mary 7:30 PM St. Padre Pio Group (Jan 27) 7:30 PM H.R.S.—Church Hall (Feb 24) 8:00 PM Holy Rosary in Portuguese Wednesdays: 7:30 PM Holy Rosary in Italian Thursdays: 2:00 PM Bible Study in Italian 6:15 to 7:15 PM Holy Hour for Vocations (Jan 8, 15, 22 & 29) 7:30 PM Bible Study in English 7:30 PM V.A.U.S. 8:30 PM Rosary by Brazilian Men (Jan 8) Fridays: 8:30 PM Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Fridays: 5:30 to 8:30 PM Bl. Sacrament Adoration (January 2)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., Pastor Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Chris Iwunze, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Church & Rectory 442 E Brinkerhoff Ave Palisades Park, NJ 07650 Tel. 201-944-1154 Fax. 201-944-9510 Email. stnicholas07650@live.com Website. www.stnicholasrcchurch.org Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mornings by appointment only)

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms: On any available Sunday during the 11:00 AM (Italian), 12:30 PM (English) & 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Masses. Please, contact the rectory at least one month prior to desired date. Confessions: Saturdays 5:00 to 5:45 PM, or during the week by appointment. Marriages: Please contact the rectory at least six months prior to desired wedding date. Sacrament of the Sick: If you are hospitalized or un-able to come to Church for health reasons and would like to be visited by a priest for Confession, Commun-ion, or Anointing of the Sick, please call the rectory. Religious Education Program (CCD): For children 1st to 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School. Classes are held on Sundays from September to May at 11:30 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass. Confirmation: Teens will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on 8th grade. They will attend classes at 11:30 AM from September to December; and from January to April classes will start at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

3rd Sunday of Advent December 14, 2014

As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will God make justice spring up before all the nations

(Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11).

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustee: Giovanni Simone & Michael Massaro Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, and Kelly Oliveira Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director; Sr. Antonietta Cioce, S.D.V., Sr. Meltiana Ding, S.D.V. and Sr. Sali Antony, S.D.V. 223 14th Street - Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-2413 Parish Pre-K “Fr. Justin Learning Center” Tel. 201-944-1376 NOTRE DAME ACADEMY Mark Valvano, principal 312 First St—Palisades Park, NJ 201-947-5262

MASS INTENTIONS SATURDAY, December 13 7:00AM Giovanni Mattessich by daug-in-law Gaudenzia 8:00AM Giovanni Mattessich by M/M Gregory Mattessich 6:00PM Albert Giannantonio by brother Pete SUNDAY, December 14 7:30AM Alice Martini by family 9:30AM Bianca Curko by M/M Mario Hroncich 11:00AM Giuseppe Bruno by daughter Antonia & family 12:30PM Pasquale Garritano by Teresa & Gerardo Stancato 7:00PM People of the Parish MONDAY, December 15 7:00AM Dinko Picinic by M/M Domenick Matesic 8:00AM Attilio Capezzutto’s family by Grayce TUESDAY, December 16 7:00AM Nikola Milin by sister 8:00AM Mary Busanic by John Piccinic WEDNESDAY, December 17 7:00AM In honor of St. Lazarus by Eduardo Lorenzo 8:00AM Gregory Mattessich by Gaudenzia Mattessich THURSDAY, December 18 7:00AM Edivaldo Moreira by family 8:00AM Domenica Vunic by M/M Joseph Hroncich FRIDAY, December 19 7:00AM In honor of St. Lazarus by Eduardo Lorenzo 8:00AM Rosa Abbruzzesi by M/M John Hroncich SATURDAY, December 20 7:00AM Maria Mircovich by M/M Zdenko Mirkovich 8:00AM Robert Hroncich by parents 6:00PM Pete & Jennie Pallotta by Bob & Nancy SUNDAY, December 21 7:30AM Agripina Ochoa & Alfonso Espinosa by daughters 9:30AM Isabella Berardi by Simone family 11:00AM Maria Morin by daughter Maria & family 12:30PM Maria Lechich by daughter & family 7:00PM People of the Parish

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Wednesday, December 24 6:00 PM - Vigil 11:30 PM - Christmas Carols 12:00 AM - Midnight Mass

Thursday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 7:30, 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM 11:00 AM (Italian) & 7:00 PM (Brazilian)

Wednesday, December 31 — 7:00 & 8:00 AM

Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God — 7:00, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM 11:00 AM (Italian)

CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS will be at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on December 17 & 18; and by appointment by calling the rectory’s office.

CHRISTMAS GIFT TREE - Please return your gifts no later than Monday, December 15.

POINSETTIAS - Please use cut out form on page 4 to donate poinsettias in memory of your beloved ones for the altar this Christmas.

There will be NO CCD CLASSES on December 28. Classes resume on January 4.

E.M., LECTORS AND USHERS will meet this Wednesday, December 17 at 7:30 PM in the Blessed Mother’s room.

News of the Parish

Holy Hour for Vocations Every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in church

~ Except on eve of first Fridays ~

2016 Mass Book is now open

5 masses per person, per week

In Memory ALTAR CANDLES

donated this week in memory of Gilda DeNicola

by Tony & Blanche DiBona

BREAD AND WINE donated this week in memory of

Antonio Tarabocchia by Mr. & Mrs. Mario Hroncich

SANCTUARY LAMP donated this week in memory of

Antonio Tarabocchia by Mr. & Mrs. Mario Hroncich

Tuesday, December 16 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary meeting in Bl. Mother’s room 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary in the Brazilian families Wednesday, December 17 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM—Confessions 7:30 PM - Holy Rosary in Italian Thursday, December 18 2:00 PM - Bible Study in Italian in church hall 10:00 AM & 6:00 PM—Confessions 7:30 PM - Bible Study in English in church hall Friday, December 19 8:40 PM - Brazilian prayer group in church hall

Ministers’ Schedule for December 21

6:00 PM: Lector - Carmela B. E.M. - Claudia 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael and Linda 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina E.M. - Suzanne, Sr. Sali and Sr. Meltiana 11:00 AM: Lectors - Carmela R. and Lucia E.M. - Francesca, Frank and Carmela A. 12:30 PM : Lector - Alexa and Isaiah E.M. - Rita, Wendy and Roberto 7:00 PM Lectors - Katia, Laine and Patricia E.M. - Candinho and Fatima

Page 3 December 14, 2014

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MORE THAN DISCIPLES

E a c h o f t o d a y ' s f o u r scriptural roles disciple, prophet, apostle, herald--forms a facet of our life in Christ as we live it day by day. Isaiah tells us that a prophet is anointed, as we were anointed at our baptism in water and the Spirit, to bring glad tidings and to promote God's reign of healing, justice, and peace. An apostle, like Paul, is one who is "sent." Each of us, in his or her own way, is sent by Christ to be a voice of rejoicing, to encourage prophetic voices in the world, and to make sure that the work of the Spirit thrives. John the Baptist shows us the job of the herald, making the Lord's way straight, announcing the coming of the Light of the world.

Today we also hear from Mary, model disciple. Her song, the Magnificat, shows us the world we must believe in and work for: one in which God is praised, where God's favor is bestowed on the humble, where the hungry are filled and the rich are sent away empty, a world that continues to know and rejoice in the mercy of God that lasts for all ages. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

The tradition of anointing the sick with blessed oil is very old, but developed slowly and unevenly in the first eight centuries of the church's life. St. Augustine, who wrote volumes of homilies from his thriving church in North Africa, plus pastoral directives, letters, and memoirs, never mentions it at all. We know from ancient prayers that it did happen in Rome, Milan, Gaul, and the British Isles. In Rome the bishop blessed the oil of the sick, but it could be applied by a priest, deacon, or a layperson. It seems that sick persons could even anoint themselves. St. Genevieve of Paris was known for anointing the sick in her care. Perhaps inevitably, complaints of abuses, and even trickery by sorcerers, brought an end to this consoling practice. In a dangerous world with a dispersed population, clerics may have preferred that this hands-on care was a lay privilege. The purpose of anointing, however, was not simply healing, but forgiveness of sin and an experience of saving power of Christ. By the year 800, dioceses everywhere were organizing rituals for priestly anointing. Although anointing of the sick is reserved to priests today, perhaps this treasured memory will enrich the future of the sacrament. --Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Pastoral Care Holy Communion was brought last week to: Valentine Miele, Alexander Mauro, Sheila Hutchinson, Arthur and Amelia Mazzarella, and Gloria Pezzolla.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Dinaro, Pete Giannantonio, Anne Ring, Lorenzo Cafasso, Josephine Dolberry, Eileen Murphy and Mercedes Schindler.

Remember our deceased: Salvatore Colonna (12/7)

Events of the Week

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

Our sincere gratitude to all parishioners, families and friends participating in our

CHRISTMAS PARTY—POTLUCK DINNER this Saturday, December 13.

Especially those who volunteered to participate in the Life Nativity Scene.

May the blessing of Christmas renew your faith and hope in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

For collection amount please see bulletin paper edition

Vocationist Corner

Heavens possess you now, but earth has not lost you.

You carry in your heart the whole world and its inhabitants, and you

will be fully blessed only when you will see everyone in God’s

Glory and Grace forever. Grant that this blessed day which opens the gates of

Paradise for us my fittingly come for us. Blessed are you, O Mary.

O my God and my All…

Blessed Justin Russolillo, SDV, Spirit of Prayer, page 160

IF YOU FEEL YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE about a vocation to priesthood or religious life,

you may speak to Fr. Stephen, Fr. Louis or call 973-966-6262

Join Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, SDV and Fr. Dwayne Davis

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

February 12 to 20, 2015

Cost: $3,190.00 Double occupancy room

For more info: Mrs. Michelle Bove Tel. 718-680-5600 michelle.bove@aol.com

Or call the rectory’s office at 201-944-1154

OUR LADY OF GRACE church choir will present their Annual Christmas Concert this Sunday, December 14th at 3:00 PM in church at 395 Delano Place, Fairview, NJ. The students of the school will also take part in the pro-gram by depicting the “Nativity”. Admission is free—refreshments will follow.

ST. NICHOLAS FUNDRAISING EVENT

SPRING AUCTION 2015

We are collecting items to be auctioned — NOT USED, UNOPENED gifts, toys, games, electronics, kitchen

appliances, home decoration, paintings, books, jewelry, etc.

Open your heart, cleanup your closets and donate to our church! All donations are tax deductible!

Please call the rectory’s office for more information 201-944-1154

(For safety reasons we cannot accept used clothes, shoes or any opened toys)

Donation for the Poinsettias decorating the altar

this Christmas

From: ___________________________________

In loving memory of:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Donation of $ ___________

Please return this slip with your donation to the rectory office

or drop in the collection baskets in church

When I Called, You Answered—Your support to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. Through your generosity to the Annual Appeal, Catholic Charities is able to continue their tradition and con-cern for each individual who walks through their doors.

If you or someone you know is sick, home bounded, cannot attend Masses and would like to receive the visit of a priest or Eucharist Minister to bring Holy Communion, please call rectory office at 201-944-1154

Brazilian New Year’s Party Enter 2015 surrounded by friends and family.

Delicious dinner with DJ music to dance and enjoy.

Tickets are $50 (children ages 7 to 12—$25) (Tickets on sale in the rectory’s office.)

ATTENTION: Please be aware that in case of heavy snow and ice on the ground,

the 7:00 AM weekday Mass will be canceled. You may attend the 8:00 AM Mass.

If in doubt, call the rectory before leaving your house or check our website www.stnicholasrcchurch.org

If you wish to receive the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima into your home for the year 2015, please fill in your name and phone number for the week of your choice on the calendar at the en-trance of the church.

Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V.—Pastor