PASTORS CORNER…

The Latin phrase, “quo vadis,” translates into “Where are you going?” It’s a question the Lord asks of each of us on our earthly journey. Many people find that question difficult to answer, especially young people beginning to contemplate their futures. This is because they struggle to decipher what God is calling them to do through prayer, and the talents and experiences he has given them.

To help young men across the diocese learn to listen for God’s call whatever it is, the Vocation Office offered, for the first time, a Quo Vadis Retreat experience this past week on the beautiful property of the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Ringwood, N.J. A team of priests and seminarians led by Fr. Thomas Fallone, Vocations Director and Fr. Brian Ditullio, Assistant Vocations Director provided guidance and advice to help young men deepen their faith and better discern what God is calling them to do.

On Tuesday evening I went there to celebrate Mass with the Bishop and other priests and to share in part of the experience. Two of our own parishioners, Timothy and John Hughes were among the 20 plus young men in the group. It was such a positive experience for me to see these young men brave enough to step out and ponder where Jesus is calling them to be in the journey of their lives. The experience is a step in discernment. Some will come to know that God is calling them to the Priesthood and other will discover that perhaps while they love the Lord He is calling them to serve in other ways. I firmly believe that each will have returned to their parishes with a deeper love for the Lord and a desire to grow deeper in their faith.

On our part it is so important that we encourage the young men and women to consider what the Lord asks of them. For a young man to spend a few days of summer vacation with his peers listening to the witness of priests and the discernment which led them to the Priesthood will only serve to clarify what Jesus is asking of them. It is such a little sacrifice of time with a great benefit. Hopefully next year we will have others from our parish participate. Pray for vocations, we need them.

Peace,

Fr. Richard

MEMORIALS:  The Vigil Light is given in memory of Joe Abato by Elisa DiGiacopo.

The Bread and Wine are given in memory of Ernie Ustupski by Joan.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

Please remember in your prayers the soul of John Grenevich whom the Lord has called out of this life to Himself. May he rest in the eternal peace of Christ.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday: Gn 18:20-32; Col 2:12-14; Lk 11:1-13

Monday: Jer 13:1-11; Mt 13:31-35

Tuesday: Jer 14:17-22; Mt 13:36-43

Wednesday: Jer 15:10, 16-21; Mt 13:44-46

Thursday: Jer 18:1-6; Jn 11:19-27 or Lk 10:38-42

Friday: Jer 26:1-9; Mt 13:54-58

RESPECT FOR LIFE – A REFLECTION

“Along with the facts about abstinence, parenting, adoption, and abortion, it is important for parents to talk with their teens before a crisis. Teens need to know there is nothing they could ever do that could not be handled with God’s help.” Grace Kern, director of Word of Hope (888-217-8679)

MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR

July 31st and August 1st

5:15PM

Priest: Fr. Richard Carton

Liturgical Ministers: Diocesan Seminarians

7:30AM

Priest: Fr. Thomas Fallone

Lector:  Merv Fuerherm

Altar Servers: Madison Torres, Katherine Cicala

Eucharistic Ministers: Pat Fichtner, Grace Ryerson, Georgia Sessa

9:00AM

Priest: Fr. Richard Carton

Lector: Lauren Mesagno, AJ Wildey

Altar Servers: Sydney Striegel, Jocelyn Rogalo

Eucharistic Minister: Vivien Retano, MJ Wildey

11:15AM                       

Priest: Fr. Richard Carton

Lector:  Phil Gutermuth

Altar Servers: John & Tim Hughes

Eucharistic Ministers: Betty Feehan, Virginia & Pat Hughes, Marcia Snyder

THRIFT SHOP SALE!

All clothing in the Thrift Shop is now ½ price! Come in for great choices on items of clothing. Hours: Tues/Thurs 10AM-2PM and Sat. 9:30-2PM.

REGISTRATION FOR OUR SCHOOL

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is accepting registration for the 2010-2011 School Year. Parents seeking admission for their children into our school

may stop in at the School Office Tuesday to Thursday from 9AM to 2PM. You may also call the office to arrange a time to register.

Pre K3: Class is full. There is a waiting list.

Your child must be 3 years of age by October 1.

Pre K4: Class is also full. There is a waiting list.

Your child must be 4 years of age by October 1.

Kindergarten and Transfer Students

The child must be 5 years of age by October 1 of the present year.

At the time of registration, please present the following:

• Birth Certificate
• Certificates of any Sacraments the child may have received
• Official Transfer from the school a child is leaving
• Academic record from the school the child is leaving including the current report card and test results. In the best interest of your child, any special testing results should be shared with the teacher.
• Health records from the previous school.

Students seeking admission in grades 1-8 must present documentation as to their grade level. The student must prove his/her ability to function in our school before the admission process is complete.

Our school serves students in Pre K 3 and 4, and in grades K-8 of all religious, racial, ethnic and income backgrounds. For more information on the curriculum, admission policies or registration, contact the school office at 973-334-2777 or visit us at www.olmcboonton.org

WORDS TO PONDER

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

(Catholic Faith Formation)

Re-registration forms were mailed out this week to all families who had students enrolled in last year’s program. New registration forms for first time students are also available. Please either stop in the parish office to pick one up or call the office if you need one mailed home. Registrations for grades 1-8 must be received by August 31st.

Catechists needed: If you are interested in teaching in our Faith Formation Programs please contact the rectory. Those who intend to teach should themselves be practicing Catholics and if not have already done so will need to comply with the guidelines set forth for Protecting God’s Children. Catechist training will be provided for all who teach. Catechists and aides are needed for grades 1 through 8.

CONFIRMATION PROGRAM

Registrations for the school year 2010-2011 have been mailed out to those registered in last year’s 8th and 9th grades. If you did not receive one or if you are new to the parish please contact the parish office so that a form can be mailed to you. Registration will be closed after Friday, September 10th. You must be a registered member of the parish to enroll in sacramental formation programs.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE NOW

A pilgrimage differs from a tour in several important ways. It is a personal invitation from God, comprised of His offer and dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: It is an individual summons to know God more fully. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds “yes” to God’s invitation.

Although in previous centuries many trials were intrinsic to a pilgrimage, the modern pilgrim has an abundance of affordable travel options, yet the purpose remains unchanged. It is a journey to a holy, sacred place to usher the pilgrim into the presence of God.

The pilgrim must embark on this journey with joyful anticipation, being willing temporarily to separate himself or herself from the world and to offer himself or herself in humble service to another. A successful pilgrimage involves a commitment to leave behind one’s problems and to focus instead on seeking to learn more about our heavenly Father, making one’s heart full of desire for special graces, praises, petitions and thanksgiving, returning home transformed, renewed and restored by the abundant blessings received.

A pilgrimage is a time of prayer and to witness the miraculous signposts God has left for our return to Him. Ask God to bless you with a heart that will be receptive to the treasure chest of graces He desires to shower upon your pilgrimage. The success of your spiritual journey will depend upon your openness, faith, flexibility, and love.

Our Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. will take place on Saturday, September 18th. The day will include Mass with our Bishop, the opportunity for Confession, the crowing of an image of the Blessed Mother, the praying of the Rosary and visitation to one of the most spectacular houses of worship in the world. We are taking bookings now. Cost for the one day Pilgrimage is $40 Adults, $20 for teenagers and children.  For bookings and inquiries, please call the parish office 973-334-1017 or Joan Stettner, coordinator for our parish at 973-335-7397.

Don’t wait. To receive the full benefits of this pilgrimage with thousands of others from our diocese plan now.