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SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
Week of July 17, 2016
Office of
Faith Formation Hours
July 18th—July 21st
10 am—1 pm Swedesboro School
July 25th—August 4th
10 am—1 pm
Paulsboro School
Friday/Saturday Closed
NO HOURS
Phone # 856-467-5426
Fax # 856-467-0038
Page 2 St. Clare Parish Picnic! Page 3 St. Clare Parish News Page 4 more...St. Clare Parish News
Page 5 Office of Faith Formation/ Sacrament Corner Page 6 Parish Wide—Corporal Work of Mercy Opportunity! Page 7 Around the Diocese
Lk 10:38-42
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Years ago, during my first interview for a job as Coordinator of Religious Education, a priest asked me if I thought I could maintain my prayer life while undertaking the difficult and daunting task of working for church, which would often entail working nights, weekends and sometimes very long hours. At that time, I was surprised at his question but I have come to understand what he meant. It is easy to get caught up in God’s work and forget to make time for prayer, praise and the personal relationship we need to maintain in order to take our place at His table someday. One Friday, not so many months ago, I was getting out of my car and gathering the items I had bought to set up for a retreat in the hall. It was going to be a long day but I hoped to be finished in time to be home for dinner. As I closed my car door I glanced over at the Church, just a stone’s throw from where I stood. I thought about making a quick visit with the Blessed Sacrament, which was exposed for Adoration, but then decided I should get busy setting up, I could make the visit when I was finished. It’s not uncommon to encounter little glitches in audio/visual equipment, find it necessary to make more copies of something than originally planned or rework set-up or seating arrangements when setting up an event and that day was no different. When I was finished and getting into my car I glanced over again at the Church and thought about the visit I had put off until the afternoon. I was tired and it was later than I expected. “God will understand.”, I thought. But as I was getting into my car I thought I heard my name called. Softly. I hesitated but as I stood next to my car, again I heard it. I felt as if someone was saying “Come sit with me.” I locked my car and went into the Church. Looking up the main aisle, I saw the beautiful monstrance and at its center, the host, the beautiful host. One other person knelt in a pew toward the back. I walked past him and knelt on both knees as we do when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed at Adoration and knelt down in the pew, blessing myself. I planned to stay 10 or 15 minutes. As always, the cool, quiet of the darkened church, lit only by the light trained on the monstrance, was calming. Focused on Our Lord’s physical presence in the Host, I sat and prayed at one point hearing the steps of the other adorer leaving and the door closing behind him. I was alone with Our Lord. Now, according to the instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments,
[138.] Still, the Most Holy Sacrament, when exposed, must never be left unattended even for the briefest space of time. It should therefore be arranged that at least some of the faithful always be present at fixed times, even if they
take alternating turns. For me to leave without another person coming to sit with Our Lord was for me, impossible. I got up and walked to the back of the church to look at the Adoration schedule. No name was listed for the hour! If I left now, the Church would remain empty for at least another 50 minutes, until the person schedule next arrived. I walked back up the aisle and sat down again. Looking at Our Lord in His splendor, I said aloud “I’ll stay with you.” I thought of the moments outside at my car. What a gift! I had been invited to spend time alone with my Saviour! I
am still amazed when I think of my personal invitation to a private audience with my King. St. John Vianney was once asked what he experienced during Adoration. He answered:
“I look at Him and He looks at me.”
How simply put was St. John’s statement of belief that the consecrated Host is indeed the physical presence of Christ here on earth. As we listen to this week’s Gospel and hear Christ admonish Martha when she complained that Mary was not helping her in the kitchen: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has
chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” Friends, make time for God. Pray daily. If you are not in the habit of doing so, today is the day of new beginnings. Start each day before leaving your bed with a simple “Good morning, Lord. Help me this day.” and before you close your eyes at night “Lord, forgive me my sins.” The most beautiful prayer in the world is simply His Name: Jesus. It changes everything. Say it often.
From the desk of Patricia Patterson, Coordinator of Faith Formation...
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
Week of July 17, 2016 PAGE 2
The St. Clare Parish Family Picnic day is Sunday August 14th!
This year we will celebrate our families on Sunday, August 14th. The event will be held on the parish
grounds in Swedesboro. You are welcome to join the Spanish Mass 1:00 p.m. The smorgasbord, music, and games will begin after Mass and continue until about 5:30 pm. (There will not be an evening Mass.)
Suggested donation to cover some of the cost of entertainment and food is $3.00 per person over 12 years old or $10.00 per family. Food donations are also welcome. We suggest that those
whose last names begin with A-L bring a side dish or snack and those whose last names begin with M-Z donate dessert or non-alcoholic drinks. Cakes for the cakewalk are welcome from everyone.
This is an alcohol-free picnic. Please leave pets at home.
For more information or to help, please email Pat at: [email protected] - Subject: Picnic
(Helping is the best way to meet your fellow parishioners. We need greeters, entertainers, game coordinators, servers, and set-up and clean-up crews!)
Please complete this form and return it in an envelope with your donation. You may mail it to : Family Picnic, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro, NJ 08085 or just place it in the collection basket at Mass.
Please share the invitation!
Name(s) ______________________________________________
Number of people older than 12 _____ children_____
Contact phone or email_______________________________________
Amount enclosed __________ Cash ____ / Check ____ Number ____
I can help
I will also share a [side, salad, snack, dessert, drinks, cake] (circle answers) ____________________________________________________
Suggestions or questions_________________________________________
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
Week of July 17, 2016 PAGE 3
Current Online Givers Our Online Giving
software is being upgraded!
In the next few weeks you will receive an email that requires your action by 8/1/16
to update data.
A video clip with instructions on how to update your information will be attached. The benefits will allow each person to access their individual account that will make
yearend reporting much easier!
If you do not receive an email from the parish by 8/1/16, please contact the parish at 856-467-0037.
Youth Group “Noisy Neighbor Night” For young people 7th grade
and up, including adults if you want to “play” along!
The “Youth Group” of our parish is hosting a few “noisy neighbor” nights, where you can bring your instruments and play for fun in a relaxed way. Bring the music that you play and sing, or just come and listen. Our next night will be Thursday, July 21, 7:00 to 8:30pm, in the Swedesboro Church; with light refreshments available.
Please mark your calendars for the following dates as well: August 25 and September 22 (all Thursday evenings).
Contact John Ciliberto at [email protected].
St. Clare Parish News
Gibbstown Church— Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 9:30am Swedesboro Church Sunday 8:00am and 11:00am 1:00pm Misa en Español We will not be gathering to celebrate 5:30pm Mass on Sundays during the months of July, August, and the 1st weekend in September. We have made this temporary adjustment to our Mass schedule to accommodate the seasonal comings and goings within our parish. We an-ticipate resuming the 5:30pm Mass on Sunday, September 11.
Summer Sunday Mass Schedule
Going on Vacation? Don’t forget to attend mass.
Go to www.MassTimes.org
or call 1-858-207-6277
for a church where you are enjoying summer vacation!
Week of March 13, 2016 PAGE 4
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
Week of July 17, 2016 PAGE 4
Catholics Care. Catholics Vote. Form your conscience. In their statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. Catholic bishops urge Catholics to form their consciences through being open to truth, studying Scripture and Church teaching, examining facts and background information, and prayerful reflection (no. 18). Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to learn about the steps you can take to form your conscience, watch videos and access other great resources on conscience formation for faithful citizens.
Parish Policy on Distribution of Campaign Materials
During this election season, our parish will be utilizing materials from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
Distribution of other election-related materials on church property will not be permitted. Among other activi-ties, posting flyers or signs, passing out campaign literature, and leaving unauthorized materials anywhere in the building or on car windshields, are prohibited. We appreciate your compliance with this policy.
more St. Clare Parish News
Applications for 2016-2017 School Year
Applications for the 2016-2017 school year are being accepted.
Limited space is available in some of our classes. For more information or to schedule a tour please contact our school office at (856) 423-9440.
Guardian Angels Regional School
For more info about Guardian Angels Regional School events and news, please visit at
www.gars-online.com.
Week of March 13, 2016 PAGE 5
Faith Formation News Sacrament Corner
The Office of Faith Formation ...
provides spiritual formation in a traditional Faith formation program (PREP), alternative Summer model (ASREP) and home school model (FREM) and children over the age of reason (7) and older who are not baptized or
catechized.
All students attending Catholic and Public Schools are prepared for sacraments through
the Office of Faith Formation. For more details, please visit our website:
http://stclarenj.org/ and click on Children’s Formation
(on the stained glass window!)
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
Week of July 17, 2016 PAGE 5
St. Clare Website—PLEASE READ Recently the website was upgraded to a larger server so we
can handle the traffic to the website.
If you have a shortcut on your desktop, bookmarked, or have the site as one of your
favorites you will need to delete them and replace with the link below. You can also clear your cache & cookies.
All you need to do is type the link into your browser or click on it http://stclarenj.org/
and you will access the updated site. We thank you for your patience &
cooperation during this transition.
************************************ Registration for Fall Classes PREP (1st—6th) & Vision (7th & 8th)
Confirmation Preparations Classes
August 9th &
August 11th
Students who attended classes on June 27th & 29th are scheduled to attend.
Students will attend the same time they were
scheduled for June dates.
Email reminders will go out as the date gets closer.
Catholic School Children of families who are registered parishioners of St. Clare of Assisi Parish are valued members of St. Clare’s community. Catholic
School parents…please register your children with the Office of Faith Formation in order that we may
communicate with you regarding Sacraments, parish events and other items of importance to you and your child. This registration should be completed for each
family every year so the information is up to date.
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
WEEK OF JULY 17, 2016
PAGE 6
The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe envi-ronment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to com-ply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years.
CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. Adults are taught that children have the right to be safe, strong and free. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees.
CAP 2 is called CAP’s Bullying Prevention Program and is a workshop addressing bullying awareness and bul-lying prevention. Cyber-bullying is also presented.
CAP 3 is called Cyber-Empowerment and is a workshop which promotes adults understanding of cyber activi-ty of youth while teaching them realistic ways to help children keep their own rights and guard the rights of others in the cyber-sphere.
Adults who are new employees or volunteers should attend CAP 1 before attending CAP 2 or CAP 3. After five years, adults have the option of attending CAP 1, 2 or 3 when they renew their CAP.
The following sessions will be offered in August 2016:
CAP Phase 1 Tuesday, August 09, 2016 7:00pm St. Clare of Assisi Parish; Swedesboro Parish Hall; 140 Broad St.; Swedesboro, NJ 08085
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 9:00am Our Lady of Hope Regional School; 420 S. Black Horse Pike; Blackwood, NJ 08012
CAP Phase 2 – Bullying Prevention Program NONE
CAP Phase 3 – Cyber Empowerment
NONE
To attend one of these classes, please call the CAP REGISTRATION LINE with the Office of Child and Youth Protection at (856)583-6165.
Please leave your name and the Session Date you are attending; you will not receive a call back.
Please register at least five days before the session you would like to attend.
The CAP schedule, location, phone numbers and directions may be found on the diocesan website www.camdendiocese.org/cyp. IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER PLEASE CALL THE LOCATION DIRECTLY.
Week of March 13, 2016 PAGE 7
SCofA Office of Faith Formation
Newsletter
WEEK OF JULY 17, 2016
PAGE 7
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A Wedding is a day; Marriage is a lifetime! August 12-14 The Engaged Encounter is a weekend away with other engaged couples, which allows time alone as a couple to dialogue honestly and intensively about your prospective life together. Topics include: strengths and weaknesses, desires, ambition, goals, attitudes about money, sexuality, children, family, and your role in the church and society. The Sunday Mass celebration is an im-portant part of the program. Engaged Encounter Weekends are held at Pope John Paul II Retreat Center in Vineland, NJ and begin promptly at 8 pm on Fr iday evening, and close by 3 pm on Sunday. All meals and accommodations are included.
[email protected], www.camdendiocese.org/index.php/workshops78/engaged-encounter
