St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church - stmarysr.org Christ by fostering our rich traditions and ... PARISH REGISTRATION: ... Truck Blessing St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church

St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church 30 Jackson Street, South River, NJ 08882

Phone: 732-254-2220 Fax: 732-651-8182

Website: www.stmarysr.org Facebook.com/stmarysr

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Saint Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, a Roman

Catholic Community, embraces the teachings of Jesus Christ by fostering our rich traditions and serving the needs of others. Through worship,

sacrament and prayer, all are invited to join with us as we continue to inspire and strengthen

our parish family.

APRIL 1, 2018 Easter Sunday of

the Resurrection of the Lord

PARISH STAFF:

Rev. Michael J. Gromadzki Pastor

Thomas F. Dominiecki Deacon Emeritus

Mark Hennicke Deacon

Mrs. Gayle Spezio, Assistant Administrator Ms. Jeanette Vega, Cemetery Coordinator

Mrs. Rosemary Eckert, P.C.L., Faith Formation

PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION

PARISH OFFICE: CEMETERY OFFICE: [email protected] [email protected]

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: [email protected]

MASS SCHEDULE:

Sunday: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM (Children’s Liturgy), 12:00 N (Polish)

Saturday: Vigil Mass 4:00 PM

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:00 AM / Thurs: 6:30 PM {Weekday Masses are in the Chapel except for Holy Days}

Holy Days of Obligation: 8:00 AM, 12:15 PM, 7:00 PM

ROSARY: Prayed before daily Mass & before 4 PM Vigil & 8:30 AM

Sunday Mass.

MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA: Every Monday following the 8:00 AM Mass.

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET: Prayed following all weekday Masses.

CONFESSIONS: Saturdays 11:00 AM-12:00 Noon or by appointment.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CEMETERY OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

OFFICES CLOSED ON ALL HOLY DAYS & HOLIDAYS

Christ is Risen!

EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

SATURDAY (SOBOTA), MARCH 31 7 PM Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish

SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), APRIL 1 6:30 +Siatkowski Family Req. by: Wrotynski Family Resurrection Mass in Polish 8:30 Intentions of Rosarians 10 AM +Mary Dunn Req. by: Donna & Frank Jones

MONDAY (PONIEDZIALEK), APRIL 2 Monday within the Octave of Easter 8 AM +Koprowski Rodzina Req. by: Rodzina

TUESDAY (WTOREK), APRIL 3 Tuesday within the Octave of Easter 8 AM +Walter & Florence Gardner Req. by: Family

WEDNESDAY (SRODA), APRIL 4 Wednesday within the Octave of Easter 8 AM +Wladylsaw Rojek Req. by: Theresa Rojek & Family

THURSDAY (CZWARTEK), APRIL 5 Thursday within the Octave of Easter 6:30PM +Mieczyslaw & Janina Olchowicz Req. by: Joseph & Anna Olchowicz

FRIDAY (PIATEK), APRIL 6 Friday within the Octave of Easter 8 AM +Mass for Deceased

SATURDAY, (SOBOTA), APRIL 7 Saturday within the Octave of Easter 4 PM +Charles Lutzko, Jr. Req. by: Wife, Dolores

SUNDAY (NIEDZIELA), APRIL 8 Second Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday 8:30 Intentions of Holy Name 10:30 Intentions of Stephen & Joann Req. by: Parents 12 N Pro Populo / For the People of the Parish

MASS INTENTIONS . . . Anyone wishing to present the gifts at the Offertory of the Mass, kindly speak to an usher prior to the beginning of Mass. Family members of those for whom the Mass is offered are always welcomed and encouraged to present the gifts and given priority.

PARISH REGISTRATION: All parishioners should be registered. Parishioners over the age of 18 should register independently of their parents. It is necessary to be a registered parishioner for at least 3 months in order for us to provide testimonial letters. Kindly notify the Parish Office of any changes. BAPTISMS: Fourth Sunday of the month at 1 PM. Please call the Parish Office to make arrangements prior to making social plans. Parents & godparents must attend instructions on the third Sunday of the month at 11:30 AM in the Seniors’ Room. MARRIAGES: Arrangements should be made at least one year in advance, prior to making social plans. SICK CALLS: Arrangements for communion calls to the sick can be made by calling the Parish Office. Please notify the Parish Office when a parishioner is in the hospital. Emergency calls are made at any time.

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (PREP): Instruction in the Catholic Faith for children in grades 1-8. Classes are held from September to April on Monday afternoons from 4:30 - 5:45 PM. Please contact the Parish Office for further information. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA): A process of prayer, study, & spiritual formation which prepares unbaptized adults & adults baptized outside the Catholic Church to be in full communion.. Any adult 18 years of age or older who desires becoming a Catholic should call the Parish Office.

THE HOLY FATHER’S INTENTIONS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

Universal: For Those who have Responsibility in Economic Matters

That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.

EASTER SUNDAY

“Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.”

- Colossians 3:2

On this day we thank God for His Son, Jesus, who died and rose for us. We celebrate and sing

“Alleluia.” Let’s try to keep the joy of this Easter season in our hearts throughout the year! Pray daily and listen for how He is calling each of us to joyfully use our gifts to fulfill His salvation plan.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Sunday, April 1 ~ Easter Sunday Masses: 6:30 am Mass of Resurrection in Polish 8:30 am & 10:00 am in English Easter Egg Hunt after all Masses, Rectory Lawn

Monday, April 2 No Seniors’ Meeting No PREP Parish Office Closed

Tuesday, April 3 Cenacle Prayer Group 8:30 am, Chapel Holy Hour with Exposition of Blessed Sacrament

Saturday, April 7 Confessions 11 am C.O.P.E. Collection

Sunday, April 8 ~ Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Name Breakfast follows 8:30 am Mass, Parish Ctr. C.O.P.E. Collection Divine Mercy Devotions 1:30 pm

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE . . .

WINE & HOSTS

+Stanislaw Klich - Wife, Anna

CANDLE INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Sanctuary Candle ~ Church +George & Adela Grembowicz - Daughter, Mary

Blessed Mother’s Altar Candles Intentions of Living & Deceased Rosarians

Sacred Heart Altar Candles +Rosa Francisca, +Joao Andre & +Joao Parracho -

Dina & John Andre

Candle for St. Joseph +Grandpa Al Wojcik - Love you & miss you,

Gary, Kim, Michael & Greg

Candle For St. Anthony +Mary Barglow - Lisa & John Nasto

Our Lady of Ostrabrama Candles Good Health & Blessings for Nancy Blackman -

Anna Klich

Sanctuary Candle ~ Chapel +Deceased of Nagy & Spezio Family - Gayle & Jeff

Divine Mercy Candles ~ Chapel +John Gerenza - Gayle & Jeff Spezio

St. Anne’s Altar ~ Chapel +Ann Ligas - Son, Jeffrey & Family

La Pieta Grotto Candles +Al Wojcik - Love, Joan

Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements to donate candles or wine

& hosts in honor of a loved one.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMORIALS

In addition to Mass intentions, St. Mary’s offers a variety of

options to remember your loved ones or special occasions. All of the following are available throughout the year. The names and/or intentions will be printed in the bulletin for that week. Please contact the Parish Office for details and availability.

Altar Flowers: Available weekly for specific areas in the church & chapel except Lent & Advent

Wine & Hosts: Available for Masses for one week Candle Intentions: Available weekly for specific

areas in the church & chapel Memorial Room Candles: Available monthly Memorial Room Plaques: Various sizes available Tree of Life: Leaves still available

REMEMBER THE SICK & HOMEBOUND, especially: Cindy Abreu-Maia, Mrs. Marlene Ahde, Nina Argresta, Jack Batchie, Ted Batko, Marie Borichewski, Patricia Brink, Virginia Brown, Jeff Byrnes, Cathy Christan, Lynette Cucco, Thomas DelGuercio, Mary Dzienkowski, Tom Fackovec, Evelyn Fafara, Penelope Fry, Patricia Gaffney, Sophie Galinski, John Ganser, Matthew Giardelli, Maryann Goccia, Amelia Halmo, Irene Hanko, Jean Hill, Eleanor Holz, Rose Johnson, Edward Jurewicz, Catheryn Kelly, Jason Klee, Boguslaw Kmieciak, Marion Kovacs, Joan Krenzel, Michael Lucas, Anthony Martino, Wanda Massaro, Dorothy McMahon, Hannah Grace Michlik, Rozalia Milkowski, Kazia Naglik, Maria Nunez, Adela Ogrodnik, Joe Pawelek, Hattie Pawlowski, Charles Philipone, Shona Pietraczenko, Nicholas Piacenti, Anne Piersanti, Cecelia Polanski, Kevin Rasimowicz, C. Rasmussen, Rose Razzano, Walter & Edna Rice, Sr. Rosangela, Rosalie Rudy, Sean Ryan, Steven Samuel, Gregory Sciscoe, Raymond & Dolores Stavish, Joe Szumski, Pauline Terelmes, Sylvia Thrasher, Christine Tobin, Maria Uzzo, Juan Velazquez, Arlene Watson, Claire Watson, Martha Sue Williams, Karolina Wojciechowski, Edward Wolanin, Jr., Kathryn Wolanin, Barbara Zambrzicky, Henry Ziolkowski.

IN OUR HEARTS & PRAYERS . . . PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE

RECENTLY DECEASED:

+John Gerenza, Jr. +Sonia Solook

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Shop-Rite Certificates

Everyone needs to shop for groceries & prescriptions. The certificates program

is a means for St. Mary’s to earn five cents on every dollar spent at Shop-Rite without any additional cost to shoppers. Certificates are available before and after all Masses at the entrances of the church, or may be purchased at the Parish Office during regular office hours.

REMEMBER ST. MARY’S IN YOUR WILL

God will never be outdone in generosity. Please remember

St. Mary’s Parish in your Will & Testament!

The repairs you are witnessing in our Beautiful Church are the results of donations and remembrances in our Parishioners’ Last Will & Testaments. Thank you & Bóg Zapłać for your generosity!!!

GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING . . .

St. Mary’s Parish is totally dependent upon the generosity of its parishioners for parish support. Our church support program is called “Sacrificial Giving”. Each individual parishioner or family is asked to consistently give “their fair share”, in support of their parish in a spirit of thanksgiving to God, to enable our parish church to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. The envelopes provided for you are to be used as gift wrappers for each sacrificial gift you give to the Lord. Please be generous, since God is generous to us.

Sunday Collection - March 18, 2018

Weekly Collection $4,236.00 Building Fund $2,416.00

Sunday Collection - March 25, 2018

Collection amounts were not available at the time of the bulletin deadline. Totals will be announced

in next week’s bulletin.

Thank You & God Bless You! Bóg Zapłać!

IN OUR PARISH . . .

Baptisms Welcome to our Catholic Community through the Sacrament of Baptism:

Adam Edward Delurey

May the Lord bless him and keep him in His care!

2018 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL Lighting a Fire in the Heart of Our World

Thank you to all who have given so generously to the 2018 Bishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not made a pledge, there is still time to participate. Mail your gift to: Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop’s Annual Appeal, PO Box 4000, Metuchen, NJ 08840-4000 or give online at www.diometuchen.org/BAA. To date, the Development Office has received pledges totaling $32,646.00 and payments totaling $28,096.00 from 139 parishioners. This represents 77.7% of our $42,000.00 goal.

**Please patronize our advertisers** They make our bulletin possible.

MARRIAGE The Christian community is enriched and renewed through the union of couples in the sacramental bond of marriage. We ask your prayers for those who have been married recently:

Patrick Reyes Gardose & Jacqueline Marie Chance

We pray that they may find an ever-growing unity in Jesus Christ Our Lord.

South River Fire Department Truck Blessing

St. Mary of Ostrabrama Church

Thursday, May 10, 2018 Mass at 7:00 PM

Fire Truck Blessing follows Mass in Parking Lot

Reception follows in Parish Center.

All are invited!

Holy Humor

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY April 8, 2018

You are invited to join with us to celebrate Divine Mercy Devotions

1:30 to 4:30 PM

The devotions will include:

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Procession with Blessed Sacrament

Confessions (2 to 3 pm) Veneration of Divine Mercy Image

Chaplet of Divine Mercy Benediction

Celebration of the Holy Mass (3:30 pm)

Please come and join us!

FAITH FORMATION . . . SACRAMENTS AT ST. MARY OF

OSTRABRAMA 2018

We are pleased to announce that Bishop James F. Checchio will be the presider at the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary’s on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

Also, the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Please pray for the young people of our parish who are preparing for these most important sacraments.

May Our Lord bless our young parishioners and the Holy Spirit guide them in their

preparations.

JesusChristIsRisen!HeistrulyRisen!

MyDearestParishioners,Alleluia & Rejoice because Jesushasconqueredsinanddeath!Ipraythat the Holy Season of Lent wasspiritually rewarding and that your

Easter joy is greater this year than the previousone.Now that the joy of Easter has arrived, I praythatitwillservetostrengthenourresolvetoworkhard tobuildupour faith through the continuedpracticeoftheSacramentsoftheChurch.On behalf of Deacon Tom, Deacon Mark, theentireParishStaffandmyself,Iwouldliketowishallofyou,yourfamiliesandyourlovedonesaveryHolyandmostjoy- illedEaster!

Rev. Michael Gromadzki

FOLLOWING ALL MASSES TODAY, EASTER SUNDAY, ON THE RECTORY LAWN.

ALL CHILDREN ARE INVITED!

PRAYER FOR EASTER

God of power and might, by Your holy will You raised Jesus from the dead so that we might share His life eternally. As we rejoice and give You

thanks for your great goodness and mercy, help us to reach out to those who do not yet believe in the truth of the gospel. Fill us with Your compassion so that with loving hearts we may serve the weak and needy for love of You. Strengthen

the faith of our families so that we may grow to-gether in love. May Your joy grow in us day by day. Amen.

Four-year-old Brianna was at the pediatrician for a check up. When the doctor looked in her ears, he asked, “Do you think I’ll find Big Bird in here?” Bri-anna only giggled. Next, the doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat. This time he asked, “Do you think I’ll find the Cookie Monster down there?” Brianna giggled again. Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he listened to her heartbeat, he asked, “Do you think I’ll hear Barney in there?” “Oh, no!” Brianna replied. “Jesus is in my heart. Barney’s on my underpants.”

AROUND THE DIOCESE . . . Katholic Kidz

Amen, Alleluia, Hosanna! We are rejoicing that You, Jesus, have been raised from the dead!

Amen.

Sacred Heart Church, South Amboy

Tricky Tray Friday, April 20, 2018

Sacred Heart Memorial Hall 529 Washington Ave., South Amboy

Tickets: $15 includes coffee, tea, dessert Doors open at 6pm. First drawing at 7:30pm.

Reservations required. Please call 732-721-0040.

An Incredible Gift

Our heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave us an incredible gift that is even more powerful and glorious than the gift He gave Adam and Eve at the very beginning. God gave us Himself: Jesus. And Jesus Himself gives us to His Father

- from Zealous

MINUTE MEDITATION

A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

This program is designed to help men and women work through the grief that one experiences in reaction to the loss of a loved one. Through education and confidential mutual support, we will come to understand that the grieving process has elements common to everyone though our losses are unique to each person. As we travel this journey together, we will learn coping skills, begin to find new strengths within and hope to ease our way on this journey. The group is open to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation. We will meet on THURSDAY for 9 weeks. There is no fee but pre-registration is required as the maximum number of participants is 15 people.

PLACE: St. Ambrose Church 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge DATE: April 5 - May 31, 2018 TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 pm CONTACT: Parish Office 732-679-5666

Another Easter Story … Two disciples were walking to Emmaus. A third man joined them. The disciples told him they were sad because a holy man named Jesus had died a couple of days ago. Jesus had been mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. They had hoped He was the Savior. And just that morning, something else happened. “Our friends went to the tomb,” said the disciple Cleopas. “They saw angels who said Jesus is alive!” As the three men walked on, the stranger said that there were places in scripture that said the savior they had hoped for would suffer and die. When they reached their home, the disciples asked their companion to stay the night. At the table, the stranger took bread, blessed it and gave it to them. And immediately, the disciples knew who He was!

DO YOU?

OurLadyofVictoriesParish,SayrevilleMass&HealingServiceApril16,2018~7:00PMCelebrant:FatherJohnCampoli,DirectorHisLoveMinistries

IndividualhealingprayerswillbegivenfollowingMass.Allarewelcome.Forinformation,callMarilyn732-991-7379orvisitwww.frjohncampoli.com

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Now that Spring is finally approaching, why not shake off those winter blues and pump some new life into your marriage. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you the time and tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in your marriage.

The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held April 20-22.

Early registration is advisable as space is limited. Phone 732-904-9636 for registration & information.

Visit us at: www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org for more information.