BISHOP'S VISIT AND CONFIRMATION/RECEPTION

Father Rob's 25th Priestly Anniversary Celebration

Please mark your calendars to celebrate Father Rob's anniversary on Sunday, December 14 (His actual anniversary is Dec. 12.) Bishop French will be here to celebrate Mass and Confirmation/Reception at 8:15 am and a Mass of Thanksgiving for Father Rob's anniversary at 10:30 am. Father Rob was ordained on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and we will also be celebrating her Feast.

After the 10:30 am Mass, everyone is invited to a catered lunch in the undercroft. Many thanks to the anonymous donor who is providing the lunch for this celebration.  May God bless you for your generosity.

NEW SWEATSHIRT DRIVE FOR TEENAGERS

There is a bin outside the church for donations of new sweatshirts for teens. Donations should not be wrapped. During this season, teens can be overlooked. For many years, this was a project spearheaded by our youth groups. This has been advertised to the whole community, which is why there is an outside bin. Please place your donations in the bin.

ADVENT

Advent starts on November 30th. Here are some resources you may consider to slow down and grow closer to God during this holy season of preparation. We have a few Advent wreaths available if your family would like one.

Advent Word: A Global Advent Calendar

Global Advent Calendar

A Brief Liturgy for Lighting the Advent Wreath at Home. Advent Wreath

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN SPIRITUALITY

Daily Evening Prayer

Beginning in September, Daily Evening Prayer will be offered and live-streamed on YouTube at 5:30 pm. Following ancient practice, the early church began its daily prayers in the evening, which was considered the beginning of the day. We offer this gift of prayer on behalf of the church and the world, and for those who are unable to pray due to poor health, work schedules, or other obligations.

Father Rob will officiate in the Lady Chapel on Mondays-Thursdays, and anyone available is welcome to participate in person or online. Volunteers are needed to officiate on the weekend. Please let Father Rob know if you would like to be trained to officiate on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons. 

Spiritual Practices Circle

The Rosary will be offered on First Wednesdays after the Wednesday Mass (@6:45 pm). All are welcome to join us. If you have a special intention that you would like us to offer, please let Fr. Rob+ or Br. Philip know.

On the Fourth Wednesday of the month (@6:45 pm), we will explore other prayer practices that may help you deepen and nurture your relationship with God and your neighbor. We will explore Ignatian prayer, centering prayer, guided meditation, Franciscan gazing, adoration of the blessed sacrament, and other forms of prayer. 

Mark your calendars and join us in the Lady Chapel.

ST. NICHOLAS VISITATION

Come celebrate the season of Advent with St. Nicholas on Sunday, December 7th, at 5 pm. All are welcome! Please bring a dish to share. RSVP to Heather Agosto, 908-240-0621.

ANGEL TREE

The Angel Tree is in the Narthex, on the board to the left as you enter. The gifts must be returned by December 14. Please sign up for your gift on the posted sheets. Feel free to include paper and tape so parents can wrap gifts and buy/order early. Some gifts may run out early or take longer to order than usual. Please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin by email with any questions. Thank you for your generosity.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING

During this special season, we invite you to participate in our Annual Special Christmas Offering. This offering is a vital part of our ministry. Your special gifts help us fund important ministries, such as our Outreach giving to local charities, and they also help close the budget deficit. Let's come together in faith to give a gift of hope, joy, and love that lasts beyond the holidays.  

You may make a gift online or place your gift in the offering plate during Mass. Please write "Christmas Offering" in the memo line of the check.

OUTREACH

A coat and gently used clothes drive will be held in honor of St. Martin of Tours. Coats/jackets/clothes can be placed in the coat room in the Narthex.

There is a container on the table in the narthex for quarters for Laundry Love. 

We will collect socks for the Hoboken Homeless Shelter from now through 14 December. There will be a container in the narthex.

The Food Bank is in great need of food items, paper goods, and toiletries for our neighbors in Somerset County. We especially want to focus on personal items and cleaning products, such as toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. Cash and checks are also greatly appreciated. There’s always a container on the stairs leading up to the choir loft. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Thanks to the generosity of people in the Watchung Convocation.

The Watchung Convocation has raised $25,000, which will be used to forgive $2 million in medical debt. The following medical debt has been forgiven.

• McKinley County, NM: just over $59K in medical debt
• Rio Arriba County, NM: just over $128K in medical debt
• San Juan County, NM: just over $539K in medical debt
• El Paso County, TX: just over $6.2 million in medical debt

ALTAR FLOWERS AND SANCTUARY CANDLES

Altar flowers and sanctuary candles may be offered in memory of someone or in thanksgiving for a person, event, or special occasion. The suggested offering for altar flowers is $55 per arrangement. The suggested offering for a Sanctuary Candle is $15. Please email the office with details of the person or occasion you wish to honor.