January 29, 2012 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus rebuked him and said, "Quiet! Come out of him!" - Mk 1:23-25

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SERVING AS A EUCHARISTIC MINISTER?
Serving at Mass as a Eucharistic Minister (or the more accurate title “Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion”) is a wonderful privilege granted to lay men and women by the Holy Church. The Eucharistic Minister plays an important role in assisting the priest in administering the sacrament of the Eucharist. All Eucharistic Ministers should be good examples of Christian living in faith and conduct and they should have a desire to grow in holiness through this sacrament of unity of love.

St. Mary’s is in need of such individuals and we encourage anyone with the desire to serve to step forward. Generally, Eucharistic Ministers serve at one or two Masses per month.

If you have a desire to serve in this ministry, have further questions or know someone that would be interested, please contact Peter D’Angelo at liturgy@stmaryswatchung.org or by calling (908) 756-4845. Peter will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

FAITH FORMATION with Pat Dorsi
The Monthly Bereavement Support Group will meet on Wednesday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. This group is primarily for those who have lost a loved one and have already participated in a weekly bereavement support group. “Journey through Grief” a weekly Bereavement Support Group will be offered here at Saint Mary’s beginning in March. More details to follow.

The topic for the 12 Keys to Spiritual Vitality for Thursday, February 2 will be “Discover the Deep Meaning in Your Life. The degree to which we perceive an emerging state of God consciousness that energizes us to behold ever deeper levels of personal significance in our lives by earnestly devoting ourselves to God’s purpose.

RCIA will meet on Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m. in the parish center. The topic will be “The Mass”. All are welcome!

Day of Renewal: The Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, will be offering “Forgiveness” a Day of Renewal on Tuesday, March 13, from 9:30am – 2:30p. Fr. Peter Krebs, S.T. and Br. Richard McCann, S.T. will be the presenters. The day will include presentations, an opportunity for Reconciliation, a hot lunch prepared by the Sisters and Mass. The cost is $30. To register, please call the Shrine @ 908-647-0208 or send an email to peterkrebs@stshrine.org

”PAVE THE WAY”
Orders are being taken for the “Pave the Way” project, until the end of the month. There is still time for you to order an honorary or memorial brick for the parish. Order forms are online, in the Narthex or in the parish office.

MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER
The following programs. are being offered, registration required for all programs; call 908-753-2091 or e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

SEEKING GOD THROUGH CINEMA Watch and discuss movies with a message: Of Gods and Men - Wed - Feb 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ($15) Mary Jo Kearns, RSM

Weekend Retreat: An experience of personal prayer based on Scripture. Daily spiritual direction. Atmosphere of prayerful quiet. Adaptable to the needs of each individual. Begins 7 p.m. on opening day; concludes at 2 p.m. Feb 10-12, ($120/weekend; non-refundable deposit $30)

BE MY VALENTINE! Retreat for Married Couples Nurture and celebrate the gift of love. Includes supper, prayer, sharing and Mass Mon - Feb 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m. ($60/couple)

PERSONAL RETREAT DAY ~ Sacred Time, Sacred Space: A personal, quiet day to enjoy God’s presence. Day begins with communal prayer Feb 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Bring bag lunch ($20)

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
Special Needs Awareness Mass: Join us on Sunday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m. and on March 18, (Sing A Long to follow Mass), April 15, May 20 and June 17. (July and August Mass- Resume in September).

A special Needs Awareness Mass is an opportunity to celebrate the gifts that people with special needs bring to the Parish. Also it is an opportunity for the Parish to welcome people with special needs to participate fully in the life of the Church. For more info, call Regina Teggler 908-963-8473 or Jeanine Cavanagh at 908-725-1112 X 1126. Immaculate Conception is located at 35 Mountain Ave., Somerville, N.J.

OUR LADY OF THE MOUNT
Neighbor to Neighbor Employment Network
Come strengthen your individual network and bring a friend. Our job search / networking group meets in the Father Peter room twice a month at 7:00 PM

2nd Wednesday – BUSINESS NETWORKING Everyone is welcome A no cost opportunity to build local connections
4th Wednesday – Scheduled Speaker

We are open to anyone; employed, unemployed, underemployed or those willing to help others Our aim is to assist those in need of work Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OLMN2N Group email: OLMN2N@yahoogroups.com

For more info, call OLM in Warren @ 908-647-1075 or http://www.olmwarren.org

If you have questions, access to job leads or want to help, contact: Bob_Longo1@Yahoo.com

IN AND AROUND THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
• World Marriage Day Celebration Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 “Love One Another” World Marriage Day, which is held each year on the second Sunday in February, honors the lifelong commitment of husband and wife. The commandment given to us by Jesus in John 15:12 is to love one another. Loving one another as husband and wife is a daily decision, simple but challenging. It is an ongoing process of learning about each other and how to accommodate differences so that both spouses can feel satisfied and grow in love for each other. For helpful insights and suggestions on how to love one another more fully log on to the Catholic Bishops (USCCB) marriage resource website: www.foryourmarriage.org.

Be prepared to find videos along with interesting articles for couples in every stage of marriage including the challenges facing couples today: unemployment, parenting, balancing work and family, care giving, etc.

2011 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL IN FAITH, WITH HOPE
Our goal is to have 100% participation in the 2011 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Please prayerfully consider supporting the Annual Appeal with a pledge or one-time gift as your means allow. Your support is greatly appreciated.