To be an altar server is a special honor and a great privilege in the Catholic Church. One can look upon being an altar server as a special and unique ministry and it is also considered community service hours. Altar servers are usually Grade 5 and up and training is provided. Scheduling is flexible and Mass preferences are considered. If you are interested, please complete the sign-up form on the 3rd page. For more information call Fr. Lukasz 973-838-6838 ext. 102 or asstpriest@olmchurch.org
From the Latin word adventus, Advent means “arrival” or “coming” of Jesus as human into the world. Are you ready? This season of grace begins today. It isn’t about rushing about or adding to the list of things to do. It is a special time of joyful anticipation, a time of waiting for the Christ Child. What are you doing for Advent this year? What would Advent be like if you decided to set aside 10 minutes a day for quiet prayer? You could even break the ten minutes up into smaller segments throughout your day. This special prayer time will help you to be more focused on the true meaning of this season as you prepare a place in your heart for the coming of the Christ Child. After Christmas, you may find that you want to continue the quiet intimacy of prayer with our Lord. You might just want to make this your New Year’s Resolution!
CATHOLIC CALENDARS Once again Morrison’s Funeral Home has donated Catholic Calendars enough for one per family. They are on a table in both the Chapel and the Church. Please take one. Thank you, Lisa Morrison. YEAR OF MERCY There are pamphlets for the Holy Year of Mercy on a table in the narthex. They contain thirty reflections on mercy as presented by our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Please take one.
Thank you for your generosity to the Catholic Charities Fr. English Center and Martin DePorres Center. ‘UNWRAPPED’ Gifts WITH TAGS ATTACHED MUST BE RETURNED BY Dec. 6th.
• Gently Used Toy Drive – Due date is 12/10, Thursday morning. Refer to your email for more information • Summer Program Grades 6-8, mandatory Advent program is 12/14, Monday, 7-8:30 in the church. Remember sports and other commitments are not an excuse for not attending. Attendance will be taken. Questions please contact the Rel. Ed. Office at 973-838-0567.
Saint Peter the Apostle Church - Parsippany Sunday, Dec. 6th – 4:00 p.m. All are invited to join Bishop Serratelli and the faithful of the diocese for our annual Christmas Concert This year's concert, THE FIRST NOEL, will feature the Diocesan Choir, the Diocesan Children's Choir and the Gramercy Brass Quintet. A variety of music will be presented spanning many centuries and cultures, bringing the joy of Christ's birth into our hearts and lives.
Join the St. Anthony’s Columbiettes, Thurs., Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30pm, K of C, 65 Hamburg Tnpk., Butler, All You Can Eat hearty soups, salad, bread, dessert, soda, coffee & tea and a Limited Edition Commemorative Bowl. For tix ($10) please contact Antoinette Moralishvili 201-803-7522 or sacolumbiettes@yahoo.com.
As always, there will be a concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Morning at 9am in the Church. Among the intentions for the Mass, we will remember with gratitude all those women and men in law enforcement who keep us safe and out of harms way. Let us thank God for them during this Mass and thank them personally when we see them.
The OLM office will be closed on Thurs. Nov. 26th and Fri., Nov. 27th in observance of the holiday. If you need to reach a Priest please call the house phone at 973-838-6838 then dial “0” (or call on Msgr Carroll’s cell 973-713-3746).
Our seminarian, Omar Hernandez, is home for Thanksgiving from Holy Apostles Seminary. On Sun. he returns to seminary for one week at which point his Christmas break begins. We look forward to seeing him during Advent and Christmas.
Fundraising Pasta Dinner & Sing-Along Please support the youth of OLM and The Reformed Church of Kinnelon by joining us Sun., Dec. 6, 5:30pm, $12 adults, $9 students, under 5 free, all you can eat pasta, salad, rolls, dessert & beverages at the Reformed Church on Kinnelon Rd. Patrice Leavenworth, 908-304-5137.
An Advent Group Beginning 11/23. Monday 1 to 3 - Msgr. Ryan Room. This Scripture Group will use the 30 Day Reflections and Prayers titled, "What Pope Francis Says about Mercy," to prepare for Christmas. These booklets can be found in the back of the church and chapel. Join us in the Ryan Room any Monday between 1 and 3pm. Call Peggy Tana 973-838-7265.
On Sunday, December 13th at 7:30pm OLM will present The Christmas Festival Orchestra of New Jersey. In addition, the Jordan Piper Jazz Trio will compliment the Orchestra’s performance. There are a variety of sponsorship contribution levels available. Please contact John Ramsden, 973-519-3992, for more information about sponsoring this annual event.
Gift tags are still available for the children at the Catholic Charities Martin DePorres Center. ‘UNWRAPPED’ Gifts with tags attached must be returned by Sun., Dec. 6. Thanks!
Nov. 21st & 22nd is 4 Get Me Not Weekend, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The Catholic Charities Fr. English Food Pantry will be serving an increased number of clients as they try to provide a Thanksgiving meal to their families. The available food on the shelter shelves has been noticeably depleted, your donation of non-perishable foods would help these poor working families greatly.
On Nov. 22 at 2:30pm the Community Thanksgiving Service will give special thanks to the Kinnelon Police. All families are invited to come to St. David’s Church on Kinnelon Rd. to support these Officers who dedicate themselves to the service of the Community. They do all in their power to keep Kinnelon a safe, family centered place to live. Our town has a highway which links many different towns and makes Kinnelon accessible to all kinds of trafficking both good and bad. At times, our police officers put themselves in harms way to guard our freedom and way of life. The Service will not last long and Fr. Lukasz, since he is the newest clergyperson in town, will be the homilist. If for no other reason, come out to “cheer him on”. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to all of our CCD and Confirmation classes for their generous donations to our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last day for donations is on Mon., Nov. 16th Thirteen holiday food baskets were made and hundreds of food items were collected and will be delivered to the Catholic Charities Father English Center in Paterson in time for Thanksgiving. A very special thank you to the OLM Ladies Guild for their generous donation of gift cards which is very much appreciated by so many families in need this holiday. We always need donations and Stop & Shop, Walmart and Target gift cards. If you would like to be placed on our "Caring List" please email magiacoio@yahoo.com or 973-838-2393. Most importantly, a very special thank you to all of our "helpers" who make this ministry possible. Happy Thanksgiving! Melissa Giacoio
Second graders 1st Reconciliation Books are due either Sat. 11/14, Sun. 11/15 or Mon. 11/16. Summer Program grades 6-8 will be meeting on Dec. 14, Monday evening at 7 – 8:30PM in the church for their Advent Program. Any questions please contact the Rel. Ed. Office at 973-838-0567.
If you are able to donate a frozen turkey to a needy family through Catholic Charities in Paterson, please drop it off at the rectory by Monday morning Nov. 23. Many local supermarkets offer a free or discounted turkey to loyal customers. Questions please call Christine Carafello 973-768-9779. Thank you very much for your generosity!
Will it really be your Best Advent Ever? That is entirely up to you. Advent, at its heart, is about getting ready to encounter Jesus at Christmas. Opening your heart to him. Getting to know him. Becoming a better husband or wife, father or mother, son or daughter, friend, etc. Select this news item to read more.