MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 6:00 PM (Vigil Mass)

Sunday: 7:30 & 9:30 AM English 11:00 AM Italian 12:30 PM English (Family Mass) 7:00 PM Portuguese Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM Other Services & Activities: Monday to Saturday: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer

Tuesday: 9:00 AM Legion of Mary 7:30 PM St. Padre Pio Group (Jan 19) 7:30 PM H.R.S. - church hall (Feb 2) 8:00 PM Holy Rosary in Portuguese

Wednesday: 7:00 PM Holy Rosary in Italian 7:30 PM RCIA classes

Thursday: 2:00 PM Bible Study Italian 6:15 to 7:15 PM Holy Hour & Adoration for Vocations (Jan 14, 21 & 28) 8:30PM Rosary Brazilian Men (Jan 14)

Friday: 8:00 PM Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Friday: 5:30 to 8:30 PM Blessed Sacrament Adoration (Feb 8)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Stephen Ehiahuruike, S.D.V., Pastor Fr. Christogonus (Chris) Iwunze, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Albino Santos, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V.,Weekend Assistant Church & Rectory 442 E Brinkerhoff Ave Palisades Park, NJ 07650 Tel. 201-944-1154 Fax. 201-944-9510 Email. stnicholas07650@live.com Website. www.stnicholasrcchurch.org Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mornings by appointment only)

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms: On any available Sunday during the 11:00 AM (Italian), 12:30 PM (English) & 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Masses. Please, contact the rectory at least one month prior to desired date. Confessions: Saturdays 5:00 to 5:45 PM, or during the week by appointment. Marriages: Please contact the rectory at least six months prior to desired wedding date. Sacrament of the Sick: If you are hospitalized or un-able to come to Church for health reasons and would like to be visited by a priest for Confession, Commun-ion, or Anointing of the Sick, please call the rectory. Religious Education Program (CCD): For children 1st to 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School. Classes are held on Sundays from September to May at 11:30 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass. Confirmation: Teens will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on 8th grade. They will attend classes at 11:30 AM from September to December; and from January to April classes will start at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

Baptism of the Lord January 10, 2016

A voice comes from heaven proclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son, with whom God is well pleased (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22).

PARISH COUNCIL will meet this Monday, January 11 at 7:30 PM in the church hall. Leaders and coordinators of groups are expected to participate. Please discuss with your groups about their needs and goals as you represent them.

The VOCATIONIST FATHERS & SISTERS will celebrate Blessed Fr. Justin’s 125th Birthday on

Monday, January 18, starting with coffee at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass in honor of Blessed Fr. Justin at 10:30 AM and the DAY OF VOCATIONIST SPIRITUALITY from 11:45 AM to 3:00 PM. All parishioners, families and friends are welcomed to attend this special event. Lunch is included — No registration necessary.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER DANCE - The Italian Community

is organizing its annual Valentine’s Day Dinner on Sunday, February 7 from 1:30 to 5:30 PM at the Excelsior of Saddle Brook, NJ. Tickets are $65.00 per person, on sale at the rectory’s office.

CCD CLASSES resume this Sunday, January 10.

CONFIRMATION 2016 - Our 8th grade teenagers will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 3:00 PM by Bishop John W. Flesey, S.T.D., D.D. The Confirmation classes will begin at 11:00 AM starting January 10, with obligatory attendance to 12:30 PM Mass.

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustee: Giovanni Simone & Michael Massaro Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, and Kelly Oliveira

Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director; Sr. Antonietta Cioce, S.D.V., Sr. Sali Antony, S.D.V. and Sr. Jancy Thomas, S.D.V. 223 14th Street - Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-2413 Parish Pre-K “Fr. Justin Learning Center” Tel. 201-944-1376

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY 312 First St—Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-5262 Principal: Mark Valvano

SATURDAY, January 9 7:00AM Maria Scrivanich by M/M Zdenko Mirkovic 8:00AM In honor of St. Cajetan by Mike Dias 6:00PM John Ferraioli by family

SUNDAY, January 10 7:30AM Ivan Lisica by wife Regina 9:30AM Giovanna Porco by M/M Albert Magnone & fam. 11:00AM Rosario Monterosso by Maria Osso & family 12:30PM Peter Giannantonio by Paul & Eileen Jesson 7:00PM People of the Parish

MONDAY, January 11 7:00AM Rosemary Medic by Joseph & Maria Hroncich 8:00AM Roy R. Lohsen by Ines & Mario Glavicic

TUESDAY, January 12 7:00AM Matteo Squillace by Frank & Francesca Velardo 8:00AM Antonio Busanic by M/M Albino Matesic

WEDNESDAY, January 13 7:00AM Giovanni Busanic by M/M Albino Matesic 8:00AM Thomas Cooney by his family

THURSDAY, January 14 7:00AM Maria Piccinich by Anna Hroncich 8:00AM Elena Tarabocchia by Julia & Tony Piccinich

FRIDAY, January 15 7:00AM Angela Graziano by Patty & John Piccinich 8:00AM Nick Piccinich by Anna Hroncich

SATURDAY, January 16 7:00AM Carmine, Giovanna & Antonia Osso by family 8:00AM Corado DeRuvo by Maria Paniscotti 6:00PM Patricia Urgo by Tony & Blanche DiBona

SUNDAY, January 17 7:30AM Ivan Picinic by his family 9:30AM Ottavio Martire by Emilia Martire 11:00AM Suzanna & Grace by Carmela Allegretta 12:30PM Matteo, Antonia & Micuzzo Abbate by Emilia 7:00PM People of the Parish

News of the Parish

Mass Intentions

In Memoriam

ALTAR CANDLES donated this week in memory of

Patricia Urgo by Gina DiBona

BREAD & WINE donated this week in memory of

Moccia & Terranova families by Mela

Holy Hour for Vocations Every Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in church

~ Except on eve of first Fridays ~

Page 3 January 10, 2016

BAPTISM OF THE LORD

MANIFESTING THE SPIRIT

The Christmas season closes this Sunday with the Baptism of the Lord. This feast is a sister to last week's feast of the Epiphany. Each of them celebrates an "epiphany," or a manifestation of the Spirit of God in Jesus--first in his birth, and now at h i s b a p t i s m .

The divine Spirit is manifested in all of the scriptures for this feast. Psalm 104 highlights the Spirit of God creating and renewing the earth, while the reading from Isaiah describes God restoring Israel. In Luke's account of the baptism of the Lord the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus. And the letter to Titus reminds us that the Holy Spirit was "richly poured out" on us also, through the "bath of rebirth" (Titus 3:5, 6). Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Merry Christmas! Share that cheerful greeting with some folks today. They may wonder if you have had any Elvis sightings lately, attended Star Trek conventions, or were Cleopatra in a previous lifetime. Despite the skeptics, today is solidly within the Christmas season. In fact, in some strands of the Christian tradition it represents the clearest manifestation of the mystery of the Incarnation. On Christmas Day, for example, the Gospel reading is the Prologue of John's Gospel, which reveals the glory of Christ shining through our humanity precisely in his baptism. At any rate, this is an ancient feast, celebrated first in Egypt sixteen centuries ago. More than most other ancient people, the Egyptians understood the life-giving properties of water. On this day, they drew water from the Nile, so central in the history of their people, and reserved it in honor. Many other places copied the custom, so that St. John Chrysostom wrote of people in Antioch gathering at midnight to collect flowing water into vessels they brought from home since "today there is a blessing on the water." At home for dinner tonight, decorate the table with beautiful bowls of water and white candles, toast one another with goblets of sparkling water, and light a Christmas candle in the window one last time. -- Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

When everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer,

never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. — Harriet Beecher Stowe

Pastoral Care Holy Communion was brought last week to: Sheila Hutchinson, Valentine Miele, Arthur and Amelia Mazzarella, Gloria Pezzolla and Frances Ceria.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Dinaro, Anne Ring, Lorenzo Cafasso, Josephine Dolberry, Eileen Murphy, Angela Tina, Christine Brown, Jovan & Perez family, Rita Vanore, Maria Piccini, and Dominick Ostuni.

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

We are grateful to all Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Altar Servers who

helped in the Masses of Christmas and in the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

And all parishioners who helped us remove and put away the Christmas decoration this

Saturday, from inside and outside the church.

May God bless you all!

Ministers’ Schedule for January 17

6:00 PM: Lector - Carmela B. E.M. - Claudia and Rita 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael and Linda E.M.—Sr. Sali and Sr. Jancy 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina E.M. - Carol and sisters 11:00 AM: Lectors - Italia and Roberta E.M. - Sara and Francesca 12:30 PM : Lector - Youth E.M. - Wendy and Suzanne 7:00 PM Lectors - Viviane, Marcia and Leny E.M. - Cida and Candinho

This weekend second collection will be ASSESSMENT FREE (yellow envelopes)

Monday, January 11 7:30 PM - Parish Council meeting in church hall Tuesday, January 12 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary in the Blessed Mother’s room 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary in the Brazilian families Wednesday, January 13 7:00 PM - Holy Rosary in Italian in church 7:30 PM - RCIA classes in Bl. Mother’s room Thursday, January 14 2:00 PM - Bible study in Italian in the Bl. Mother’s room 6:15 to 7:15 PM - Holy Hour for vocations in church Friday, January 15 8:30 PM - Brazilian prayer meeting in church hall

Events of the Week

‘WE ARE LIVING STONES” CAPITAL CAMPAIGN—ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa

The main purpose of the We Are Living Stones campaign is to strengthen our parish communities. Please remember to pledge to the campaign helping St. Nicholas reach 100%of its goal. Mail your envelope to the Archdiocese of Newark or drop it off in the collection baskets.

Vocationist Corner

VOCATIONIST DAY OF SPIRITUALITY

celebrating Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo, SDV

125th Birthday on Monday, January 18

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the church hall

The program will include: Breakfast; Mass in honor of Blessed Fr. Justin;

Mercy in the life and writings of Fr. Justin; songs and praises, lunch recess; Q&A and conclusion.

All are welcome!

Holy Hour for Vocations

Holy hours are the Roman Catholic devotional tradition of spending an hour in Eucharistic Adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We focus our prayer to Jesus Christ on peace, life, vocations, and other topics that are at the heart of the life of the Church and the world.

Every week on Thursday from 6:15 to 7:15 PM in church (Except on eve of first Fridays)

ST. NICHOLAS FUNDRAISING EVENT ~ TRICK TRAY 2016 ~

We are beginning to collect items to be auctioned on Saturday, June, 4 of 2016— NEW, NOT USED,

UNOPENED gifts, toys, games, electronics, kitchen appliances, home decoration, paintings, jewelry, etc.

All donations are tax deductible! Please call the rectory’s office for more information

201-944-1154 For safety reasons we cannot accept used clothes,

shoes and opened toys.

If you wish to receive the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

into your home for the year 2016, please fill in your name and phone number

for the week of your choice on the calendar at the entrance of the

church.

Notre Dame Academy Open House - Sunday, January 31st from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. School tours on Wednes-day, February 3rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm and 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Grades PreK-3 through 8th. School tours also available by appointment. Notre Dame Academy is located at 312 First Street in Palisades Park, NJ—Tel. 201-947-5262

The ITALIAN COMMUNITY is sponsoring the

VALENTINE’S DINNER DANCE

on Sunday, February 7

from 1:30 to 5:30PM

at the Excelsior in Saddle Book, NJ

Tickets are $65.00 per person available at the rectory office, with Frank Modafferi

or Sr. Antonietta Cioce

Perpetual Candles To renew or to assign a perpetual candle for

2016, please come to the rectory office. We have candles available at the Blessed Mother and St.

Anthony’s candle stand for those parishioners who are interested on lighting a PERPETUAL CANDLE for the

beloved ones. The candle units are limited. The offering is $180.00 per candle per year

($15.00 per month) Please contact the rectory’s office to request your candle 201-944-1154

THE SHEPHEARDS MASS Prayer, celebration, and fellowship for your adults

Saturday, January 16 @ 7:00PM at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Crypt located at 89 Ridge St—Newark, NJ 07104

More information contact Fr. Mino 210-996-0088 ext 4147 frmino@gmail.com

Make a gift through an IRA Charitable Rollover

The IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended through 2015 and was passed permanently into law. The law will allow indi-viduals 70 1/2 and older to move up to $100,000 from their IRAs directly to qualified charities such as St. Nicholas Church, the Archdiocese of Newark, or another archdiocesan entity with having to pay income tax on the donated money. For more infor-mation, please contact the parish office or the Planned Giving Office at the Archdiocese of Newark at 973-497-4042

In loving memory of all deceased members of the

Lento & Zajac families by Gianni J. Zajac

In loving memory of Ida & Louis Lettera Brigantino family

Joseph Nicoletti & Anthony Montemurro Jr.

by Frank Lettera

In loving memory of Vincenzo Luppino & Mattia Abrami

by Angela Luppino

In loving memory of our parents

by D. & M. Batistines

In loving memory of James & Agnes Megadon Edward & Natalie Neary

by S. Niosi

Donations for the Christmas Poinsettias

~ Moments of Mercy ~

January 2016 When we think about pil-grimages, we probably think about medieval peo-ple walking great dis-tances to awe-inspiring churches. Yet, Pope Fran-cis describes what is at the heart of pilgrimage and encourages us to each make one during this Ju-bilee of Mercy. He writes that "life itself is a pil-grimage, and the human being is a viator, a pil-grim traveling along the road, making his way to the desired destination" (MV, no.14). Pope Francis encourages each of us to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Door in our diocese some time during this Jubilee of Mercy. Being committed to the journey of pilgrimage helps us focus our attention on our spiritual journey and walk closer with God. Simi-larly, our daily journey to live out the mercy of God "is also a goal to reach and requires dedication and sacrifice" (MV, no. 14).

1. — With your family or a parish group, plan a pil-grimage to the Holy Door within your diocese for some time during this year.

2. — Each day, give yourself one small goal of mercy, compassion, and love to journey toward—for exam-ple, being kind to a difficult coworker—so that, by those actions, you are able to walk closer to God on the pilgrimage of Christian life.

PRAYER OF POPE FRANCIS FOR THE JUBILEEPRAYER OF POPE FRANCIS FOR THE JUBILEEPRAYER OF POPE FRANCIS FOR THE JUBILEE

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with His anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.