Rev. Nicholas Bozza, Pastor 375 Main Street, P.O. Box 730, Chester, New Jersey 07930

Coordinators of Religious Education: Carla Fuscaldo, Dorothy Kudron, Terry Leing

Cynthia Vittitow— Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Brian Flanagan — Confirmation

Kathleen Galdi — DRE Music Minister: Joseph P. Tamburro Youth Minister: Brian Flanagan Mercy Minister: Cindy Zeis

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN: Gr. K-4 & CGS 1: Sun. 9:00-10:45 am Gr. 1-8: Thurs. 4:30-5:45 pm

Gr. 5-8: Sun. 4:30-5:45 pm OR Mon. 7:00-8:15 pm Gr. 9-10: Sun. 5:40-8:00 pm

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: RCIA: Sundays (September-Easter)

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturday: 4:00-4:45 pm, Monday: 6:30-7:00 pm & on request.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Please call the Parish Office anytime for communion calls or visitation of the sick and elderly. Keep us informed so that we can be attentive to those who are ill at home or in the hospital.

Parish Email: parish@stlchester.org

Parish Web Site: www.stlchester.org

Web Master: Joanne Franklin (908-879-6222)

Welcome Rosemary Lohrmann (973) 214-4806 Haiti Twinning Program Christine Colannino (201) 314-9824

Bereavement Don Martone (908) 879-7957 Lectors John Kennington (908) 872-0575

Good Samaritans Patsy Soden (908) 879-3374 Eucharistic Ministers Loretta Stewart (973) 222-7492

Grocery Cards Jean Ward (908) 334-3442 Ushers Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Moms & Tots Melissa Altieri (908) 797-0676 Music Minister Joe Tamburro (908) 453-3302

Arimathaea Arlene McDonald (973) 584-7319 Spanish Ministry Louis Villafane (908) 879-3032

Liturgical Environment Joanne Carr (908) 879-5543 Youth Minister Brian Flanagan (973) 946-8770

Women’s Cornerstone Judy Irwin (201) 400-7847 Altar Servers Chuck Feller (908) 768-2838

Men’s Cornerstone Marc McFeely (973) 222-9739 Evangelization Bob Holl (908) 876-3488

Pastoral Adv. Board Jerry Frech (908) 377-2900 RCIA Jan Richards (908) 975-3555

Rosary Society Marie Holl (908) 876-3488 Respect Life Connie Wieczorek (908) 879-6453

Media Ministry Jeanne McCormick (908) 879-6884 Barn Ministry Ed Wieczorek (908) 300-0098

Mary’s Moonflowers Karen Jones (973) 479-5271

Rev. Rolands Uribe, Parochial Vicar

Deacon William DeVizio, Permanent Deacon

Trustees: Phil Guidone, Jeanne McCormick

Parish Secretary: Karen Jaworski

Accountant: Sharon McCann Business Manager: Bill McCormick

MASSES: Saturday: 5:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm (Spanish), 6:00 pm Daily Mass: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am & 9:00 am, Sat. 9:00 am Holy Day Vigil: 7:00 pm Holy Day: 8:00 am, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm (bi-lingual)

Healing Mass: 7:00 pm every 3rd Tuesday of month. Rosary at 6:30 pm

BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

SPANISH BAPTISMS: Baptism Preparation Class: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

Baptisms: Please call the Parish Office to schedule.

MARRIAGES: Please contact the Priest/Deacon whom you wish to officiate at your wedding one year in advance to arrange for Marriage Preparation Sessions.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP: Every family moving into the parish is requested to register. If you move to another parish or change your address, please notify the Parish Office.

St. Lawrence the Martyr Church SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018

MISSION STATEMENT St. Lawrence the Martyr Church is a community of Catholic Christians who gather

together to celebrate the Eucharist, their love of Jesus Christ and their love of one another

as children of Christ. We are a diverse community focused on creating an enthusiasm for our faith and enriching the lives for all who come to worship in our parish. Inviting and

welcoming liturgies, multiple youth and young adult activities and adult enrichment

programs all help make the Word of Christ a living reality at St. Lawrence.

Parish Office: 908-879-5371 Priests’ Home: 908-879-1901 Religious Ed.: 908-879-6714 Youth Minister: 973-946-8770 Fax: 908-879-7701

Parish Ministries and Ministry Facilitators

Page Two SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

GREEKS LOOKING FOR JESUS

A Signal for Jesus

In today’s Gospel reading (John 12: 20-33), St. John reports that

Greeks had come to the temple to celebrate the Passover feast. For

Jesus, this report was a signal that the second great phase of God’s

saving plan was now beginning. He had been called to preach the

Good News to the Jews. Now it was clear in the arrival of Greeks

(Gentiles) looking for Jesus that the missionary outreach to the Gen-

tiles was beginning. There is a saying of Jesus that is preserved in

John’s Gospel that explains this. Jesus said, “No one can come to me

unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44) Clearly,

therefore, the arrival of the Greeks looking for Jesus is an action of the

Father and indicates that He is taking steps toward the preaching of the

Gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus knows that He must soon end His earth-

ly ministry. He knew that He would soon need to offer His life. He

was the seed that had to fall to the earth and die. “Unless the seed falls

to the earth and dies, it will remain just a single seed. But if it dies, it

will produce much fruit.” (John 12:24) Jesus knew that at that point

He had to die. He was the seed that needed to die and be buried, and which by dying, would produce other

seeds and much fruit. Jesus would say that “the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” (John

12:23) The glory of God would be seen in the great love demonstrated in Jesus’ passion, death and resurrec-

tion.

HELP WANTED

A Witness to God’s Plan for Giving

Tithing is God’s plan for giving. Tithing is mentioned 44 times in the Scriptures. Jesus Himself encouraged

His people to tithe. (Luke 11:42) He asks us to try Him on this. This Spring I would like to have a review of

tithing on one Sunday. I will need two parishioners to say in three minutes what their experience of having

tried God’s plan has been. One woman has offered to give a testimony. I need one more volunteer. Could

you help me with this? We can help you prepare your talk. Please let me know soon if you can help.

PRO LIFE NEWS

Please Pray This Weekend for God’s Help with This Case

On Tuesday, March 20, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments for NIFLA v. Becer-

ra, a case that defends pregnancy centers against laws that force them to tell their clients where they can get

abortions. The case defends these centers against forced speech and cooperation in the evil of abortion. If the

government can force pregnancy centers to promote abortion, they will try to force all of us to do so. Please

pray for wisdom for the justices of the Supreme Court. There is power in prayers because our Father is God

and He listens!

God bless.

Father Nick

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Page Three SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THIS WEEK

Sunday

• CGS

• Gr. K-4

• Gr. 5-8

Monday

• Gr. 5-8

Thursday

• Gr. 1-8

Sunday

• No classes

MEETINGS / EVENTS THIS WEEK

Sunday

• Antioch Follow-Up - 7:00 pm

Monday

• Confession at all Paterson Diocese churches - 7-8:30 pm

Tuesday

• Healing Mass - 7:00 pm (Rosary at 6:30 pm)

Wednesday

• Sins/Virtues - 8:00 am, 7:00 pm

• ESL - 7:30 pm

• Bold PST - 8:00 pm

Thursday

• Moms & Tots - 10:00 am

• Bell Choir - 6:00 pm

• Adult Choir - 7:00 pm

Friday

• Barn Committee - 10:00 am

• Divine Mercy Chaplet - 3:00 pm

• Stations of the Cross - 7:00 pm

• Dining with Deacons - After stations

WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE SICK . . .

Kirsten Mumma, William Ware, Julio Carrera, Sebastian

Quinn, Ralph Bozza, Sister Eucharia, Bishop Frank Rodi-

mer, Father Rolands Uribe, Father Eugene Romano, Father

Paul Knauer, Father Rafael Perez, Msgr. Martin Rauscher, Msgr. Richard Rusconi, Msgr. Peter McBride, Father Ken

Hewitt, Patrick John Moran, Ann Kelly, Lloyd Matsamoto,

Helen Crowe, Jane Alt, Patrick Pronio, Allison Spina, Lesley

Pawar, Tom Walsh, Steve Briggs, Brian Graham, Colleen

Saito, William Kelly, Mary Norwood, Mary Lanzara, Rocco

Colantuono, Diane Verge, Cade Feitel, Christine Ambrosino,

Carole Stessl, Kathy Bollwork, Dick Goodwin, Nicholas

Brown, Jane Rufino, Kevin Callahan, Judith Stampone, Paul

Fitzgerald, Charlotte Poth, Colleen Looby, George Serafin,

Charlie Romano, Salman Javed, Joe Cillo, Jerry Green,

Mary Constantinople, Dan McGuigan, Patricia Gilvey, Daisy

Hallock, Ryan Menzel, Vincent & Giuliana Petane, Betty Macaluso, Dorothy Powers, Wesley Snawder, Jeanne

McCormick, Tom Murray, Eidelia Jimenez Martinez, Mila

Balicki, Timothy Gearty, Consiglia Erdenberger, Arnold

Family, Connie Dziomba, Bonnie Lieberworth, Barbara

Drive, Jack Ratti, Finn Michael, Olivia Gill, Teresa Smith,

Frances Ferreri, Teresa Colamonaco, Baby Gianni Mazza,

Carol Mattone, Anna Birsilli Garich, Greg Villafane, Anne

Owens McGrath, Janet Courtland, Jackie Donnelley, Jack

Arnold, Lily Barbero, Hunter Barbero, Robert LeFrancis,

Moire Riley

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

March 24-25

5:00 pm

CB – Nora Mulligan

S1 – Aidan Mulligan S2 – Declan Mulligan

7:30 am

CB –

S1 – S2 –

9:00 am

CB Christian

Iannuzzelli S1 Kyleigh Kennington S2 – Nick Weah

11:00 am

CB Mercedes

Lombardo S1 – Mili Lombardo S2 –

6:00 pm

CB – Gwen Spence

S1 Maken-na Spence S2 –

LENTEN PROGRAM:

BISHOP BARRON’S SEVEN DEADLY SINS

Join us this Lent for an engaging video presentation of

Bishop Barron’s Seven Deadly Sins. Each week we will

explore one of the deadly sins. Bishop Barron presents these sins as patterns of dysfunction within us that will

lead to unhappiness. He will show us how to counteract

these seven sinful patterns through a conscious process of opposition, which are the “seven lively virtues." The sev-

en lively virtues offer antidotes to each sin and help set us

on the right path to healing and happiness. Discussion to follow. It’s not too late to join us!

Two sessions will take place on Wednesday

After the 8 am Mass and at 7pm

Parish Center - Classroom 12

March 21 - Avarice and Generosity

March 28 - Gluttony and Asceticism

April 4 - Lust and Chastity

FLORAL REMEMBRANCE PROGRAM Parishioners have the opportunity to sponsor a

floral arrangement for the church altar ($125),

the tabernacle ($75) or the chapel altar ($100)

in memory/honor of a loved one. If interested, please call the Parish Office at 908-879-5371 to choose

an available Sunday (other than Easter or Christmas) .

MOVING?

LOCAL ADDRESS CHANGE?

Please notify the Parish Office by

phone or email if you are moving or

if your address has changed. We ap-preciate your help in keeping our

parish directory up to date.

Page Four SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

LENT REMINDERS . . .

Daily Mass

Monday-Friday at 8 am and 9 am.

Morning Prayer & Divine Mercy Chaplet

Each morning, one half hour before first Mass.

Confession Mondays at 7-8:30 pm. Saturdays at 4-4:30 pm.

Stations of the Cross

Fridays at 7 pm. Church (English), chapel (Spanish).

Lenten Rice Bowls

Available at the church entrances.

From the Cross to the Empty Tomb book

Available at the church entrances.

The Word Among Us Available at the church entrances.

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Fridays at 3pm.

DINING WITH THE DEACONS

Friday, March 23

(after Stations of the Cross)

Come join us as we spend time togeth-

er as a community of faith while being treated to a delicious “meat-free” din-

ner prepared especially for Lent by

our deacons. After dinner we will hear from our special guest, Dan Venezia. Dan will share his

incredible journey on how he learned the true blessing of

forgiveness; perfect for a Lenten reflection. He is a popu-lar public speaker as well as a former professional base-

ball player who has appeared frequently on national tele-

vision and radio. This will be an evening to remember.

Contact Karen Jaworski at 908-879-5371 or kjawor-ski@stlchester.org to register.

GET ACQUAINTED WITH OUR NEWEST

MUSIC MINISTRY MEMBER:

THE ALLEN Q-300 DIGITAL ORGAN

Sunday, April 15

3:00 pm

St. Lawrence Church

Join us for a 35-40 minute mini-concert to experience the sound and capabilities of our new organ that will enrich

our liturgies for years to come while hearing a selection

of songs and instrumental pieces sure to leave you spirit-

ually uplifted. It will truly be a festive event for the East-er season! Refreshments will be served in the Church

Hall afterwards.

BARN NEWS

Open for donations starting Monday, April 2

Gently used items in decent condition will gladly be ac-

cepted and can be left inside the shed next to the Barn.

The shed is open 24/7. Your donations have made the Barn sales a success, providing funds for our parish and

the charities that St. Lawrence Church supports. Thank

you for your past generosity.

PLEASE . . . No large furniture, exercise equipment, old

TV’s, old computers, or non-working electronic devices.

The Barn Ministry is in desperate need of volunteers to help sort, organize and price donations. To find out

more, you can stop in at the Barn on most weekday

mornings from 8:30-10:30 am

Guest speakers Megan Murphy of Me-

gan Murphy Ministries and her 18 year

old daughter Natalie spoke to the 5th

thru 8th grade Faith Formation students

on O Beauty Ever Ancient Ever New — What it Means to be Truly Beautiful!

One must see God in everyone.

~ St. Catherine Laboure

RECENTLY BAPTIZED

May God hold you always in the palm of His hand.

Ella Reese Moore, daughter of Joseph & Lindsay

Moore of Wright Court, Succasunna

HOSPITALIZED OR HOMEBOUND Please let us know if someone is hospitalized or home-

bound. Many would be grateful for a visitor and the op-

portunity to receive communion. Thank you for helping

us help others.

Page Five SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2018 - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2018 8:00 am - Bert Carr

9:00 am - Frances Doremus

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018

8:00 am - Patsy O’Connor

9:00 am - Spec. Int. of McCormick Family

7:00 pm - Leona Adams

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 8:00 am - Margery Vogelsang

9:00 am - Jim Sommer

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018 8:00 am - Patti Hale

9:00 am - Margaret Brock

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 8:00 am - Barbara Downey

9:00 am - Francis Adams

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018

9:00 am - Ralph Dellanno, Sr.

5:00 pm - For the People of the Parish

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018 7:30 am - George & Helen Vornehm

9:00 am - Jan Jarosz

- Anthony Mendonca

11:00 am - Edward Boyle

12:30 pm - Spec. Int. of Greg Villafane

6:00 pm - Luisa Paoli Getty

- Peter W. Gotay

SAVED BY GOD’S LOVE Because the people broke the old cove-

nant, God promised a new covenant, not

in the blood of oxen and other animals,

but in the blood of the Son, Jesus Christ. This new covenant, foreseen from afar

by Jeremiah and the prophets, was not to

be engraved on stone, or written on pa-per, but carved on our hearts, so that we

might know God intimately. Not by

keeping many laws are we to be saved, but by the love of God, living and real in our hearts through the sacrifice of

Christ.

Our Eucharist is the pledge of that indwelling of Christ, and of our response of praise and thanksgiving to God for

the mercy, love, and kindness shown to us in forgiving

our sins and cleansing our hearts of everything evil. God issues this invitation to intimacy by offering us the

chance to have our sufferings transformed into the perfect

love of the Savior, who first loved us.

REPENTANCE God has promised pardon to one who repents,

but has not promised repentance to one who sins.

~ St. Anselm

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — I will place my law within them and

write it upon their hearts. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) or

Ezekiel 37:12-14. Psalm — Create a clean heart in me, O God

(Psalm 51) or Psalm 130.

Second Reading — Christ became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:7-9) or Ro-

mans 8:8-11.

MASS READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a Tuesday: Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-21; Jn 8:21-30 Wednesday: Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Dn 3:52-56; Jn 8:31-42 Thursday: Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-9; Jn 8:51-59 Friday: Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-7; Jn 10:31-42 Saturday: Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-13; Jn 11:45-56 Sunday: Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16; (procession) Is 50:4-7; Ps 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1 — 15:47 [15:1-39]

BE AWARE We need to be aware that happiness can sometimes sneak

in through the door we didn’t know we had left open.

~ Anonymous TITHING: GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING

Tithing Income March 11, 2018 $ 9,718.00

Tithing Income March 12, 2017 $12,147.00

A Word from Father Nick: “I thank you for the love

that you show for God and others through your offerings

each Sunday!”

From a Parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Francis of

Assisi in Metuchen, NJ: “We don’t ‘give’ anything to

God. He already owns everything. What we have is giv-

en to us through life, health and the ability to work. We

are merely His stewards from whom tithes are due.”

NEXT HEALING MASS

Tuesday, March 20

Rosary at 6:30 pm followed by Mass at 7:00 pm

Bring your prayers for physical, mental, financial, rela-tional and spiritual healing and place your needs before

the Lord. The Healing Mass takes place every third

Tuesday of the month. All are welcome!