Our Lady of Good Counsel

CHURCH OF
Our Lady of
Good Counsel
42 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057-2497
www.olgcnj.org
PARISH STAFF:
Priests of the Parish
Phone
Very Rev. Damian McElroy, V.F. Pastor
Rev. James O’Neill, Parochial Vicar
Phone for Emergency Sick Calls
856-235-0181
856-425-0181
Permanent Deacons
Deacon Joseph A. Paul
Deacon James J. Grogan
Deacon David Papuga
Deacon Ed Heffernan
Deacon Thomas D. Begley, III
Deacon Tom Kolon
Deacon John F. Bertagnolli, Jr.
Parish Business Manager
Deacon David Papuga
856-235-0181
Cemetery Manager
Mr. Thom Scattaregia
856-235-0181
OLGC School (Grades N-8)
Mr. Jerome T. McGowan, Principal
235-7885
Sr. Rosemarie Wdzieczkowski, E.C.C. Director 235-5371
Religious Education
Grades K-8
235-7136
Dr. Linda M. Dix, Director
Noah’s Ark Church Readiness Program
Ms. Laura Kowalick, Captain
Sacred Music Ministry
235-5395
Mr. Stephen J. Lucasi, Director
Mrs. Paula Quann, Assistant
Secretarial Staff
Parish Office: Ms. Megan Quigley
235-0181
School: Mrs. Lorraine Turowski
235-7885
E.C.C.: Mrs. Sharon Malek
235-5371
Heritage House: Ms. Laura Kowalick
235-7136
The Rectory:
42 West Main Street
Parish School:
Grades 1-8, Cafeteria and Gym
23 West Prospect Avenue
Early Childhood Center:
Kindergarten, Nursery and Noah’s Ark
32 West Main Street
Heritage House:
Religious Ed, Sacred Music and Youth Ministries
122 West Main Street
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
Sabbath Masses:
Saturdays, 4:30 PM - Main Church & Simulcast in Crypt
6:00 PM - Main Church
Sundays, 7:30 AM - Main Church
9:00 AM - Main Church
10:30 AM - Main Church & Gym
12:00 Noon - Main Church
Lauds:
6:30 AM Monday - Friday
Weekdays Masses:
9:00 AM Monday - Friday
9:00 AM Saturday
Holy Days of Obligation:
6:30 & 9:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 7:00 PM
Baptism:
1:30 PM First, Third & Fourth Sundays of each month.
Parents attend Preparation Session on the Second Sunday of
the month.
Reconciliation (Confessions):
Saturday at 3:30 PM
Confessions will be heard until all present have been
accommodated.
Marriage:
Wedding arrangements can only be made with one of the
Parish Priests, ideally one year prior to the desired date.
Communion at Home:
When a parishioner is confined to the home for an extended
period of time and wishes to receive the Sacraments, please
call the Parish Office.
December 11, 2011
THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL
Saturday, Advent Weekday, December 10
9:00 AM Rita Wright, John Bozinski
4:30 PM Ann Thompson, Diane Baus
6:00 PM Frederick T. and Louise Passey, Deceased
Members of the McDougald and Costigan Families
Sunday, Third Sunday of Advent, December 11
7:30 AM William Catching, William Mylett
9:00 AM Rosemary Adelmann, Irene Gurbada
10:30 AM Thomas Torchia, Antoinetta Olivelli
12:00 PM Ernest Spinello, Vincent Volpe
Gym:
10:30 AM Jane Layton, Marianne Nittel Gluck
Monday, Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12
6:30 AM Lauds
9:00 AM Louis and Virginia Vizi, John Hannas
Tuesday, St. Lucy, December 13
6:30 AM Lauds
9:00 AM Catherine Thomason, Charles DeRenzi (1st
Anniversary)
Wednesday, St. John of the Cross, December 14
6:30 AM Lauds
9:00 AM Theresa Cramer (Living), Kathy Lancieri
Thursday, Advent Weekday, December 15
6:30 AM Lauds
9:00 AM Sandy Troisi, Antonietta Annucci
Friday, Advent Weekday, December 16
6:30 AM Lauds
9:00 AM Thomas Moore, Dorothy Herring
Saturday, Late Advent Weekday, December 17
9:00 AM Verna Schluter, Jack Conrad
4:30 PM Joseph Roman, Sr., William McGurk
6:00 PM Carrie Vespe, Joan O’Sullivan
Sunday, Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18
7:30 AM Anthony Palumbo, Greg Dix
9:00 AM Agnes Wright, Peg and Reynold Kappra
10:30 AM Ed Kanigowski, Jason Forline
12:00 PM Robert Pierro, James Patrick Brown
Gym:
10:30 AM Michael and Josephine DeCinque, Joseph Yerardi
Sanctuary Lamp
Page 2
Please pray for the repose of the
soul of Frank McElroy, Father
Damian’s father, who passed
away on December 5, 2011.
The
Funeral
Mass
was
celebrated at the Cathedral of
Saints Patrick and Colman in
Newry, County Down, Northern
Ireland. Please continue to keep
Father Damian and his family in
your prayers.
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 11, 2011
7:00 pm, in the Church
Scripture Readings
&
Christmas Carols
Plus Special Presentations by:
The Girl’s Chapel Choir, The Youth Choir,
The Handbell Choir, The Children’s Choir,
The Praise Band, The String Ensemble,
The Adult Choir
The Sanctuary Lamp will be burning during this week for the
following intentions:
Main Church: Monica Carson (Healing)
Crypt: Rita and Josephine Schina
Candles can be designated for the intention of someone who is
ill or in special need of prayers.
Last Week’s Collection
The collection total for last weekend was $26,140.00. The
collection for the same weekend last year was $29,268.00.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Our Lady’s Parish Statue
If you would like OLGC’s Our Lady of Fatima statue to
visit your home for a week for your own quiet rosary
time, please call Marylou Relovsky at (856) 234-0094.
Parish Advent Penance Service
The Parish will have our Advent Reconciliation Service this
Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm in the Main Church. All
families are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Gifts for Nursing Homes
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to Nursing Homes and
the Homebound: Wrapped Christmas gifts from the parish to
the sick and homebound are now available in Heritage House
for distribution. They are located in the hallway in baskets
marked for the Nursing Homes and Homebound. Please sign
in that you have taken your gifts so that we know all facilities
are covered. Thank you!
December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent
Page 3
Religious Education News
Christmas Schedule
Christmas Eve Masses
4:00 pm
Main Church – Youth Choir/Girls Chapel Choir
Crypt – Organist & Cantor
Gym – Praise Band Singers/String Ensemble
6:00 pm
Main Church – Organist & Cantor
Crypt – Organist & Cantor
10:00 pm
Main Church Only – Adult Choir
Musical Prelude at 9:30 pm
Christmas Day Masses
Main Church Only
7:30 am
9:00 am
10:30 am - Tableaux
12:00 noon
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Regular Sunday Schedule
December 31st – 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm
st
January 1 - 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon
No 9:00 am Mass on December 24th
No 6:30 am Lauds December 26th – 30th
th
No Confessions on Saturday, December 24
In preparation for the celebration of Christmas, please
remember to come early to Mass. The four o’clock Masses on
Christmas Eve are always the most crowded. Fr. Damian
would like to encourage families to consider attending Mass on
Christmas Day this year.
Please show particular courtesy to the sick and infirmed.
Please also note that the saving of seats for others is not
permitted. The rule is simple, “First come, first served.” Thank
you. Please note the parish office will be closed on Friday,
December 23 and Monday, December 26.
Holiday Hop Thank You
The OLGC Holiday Hop with Jerry Blavat on Dec. 3 was a
wonderful night of fun and friendship. Thanks so much to Dawn
and Joe Ranieri, who chaired the event, their committee; and
the event sponsors: Adelphia Restaurant; Adinolfi and
Goldstein, Attorneys at Law; Quaker Wealth Management;
Ralph’s Market,; Roger Wilco; and the Dix, Foursha, Maloney,
Millilo, Molz, Pellegrino, Ranieri and Sheppard families. Merry
Christmas!
Have you Updated your Email Lately?
Please visit our website www.olgcnj.org and enter your email
address to receive updated announcements from our parish.
There is no better way to stay informed of events and snow
closings! Rest assured your email addresses are for the parish
use only and will be kept confidential.
Parent Newsletter: The current parent newsletter is available
on the parish website. Please check the Religious Education
page regularly for announcements and important information.
Advent Activities:
Family Catechesis activities are posted on the parish website:
• December 11: Lessons and Carols – 7:00 pm
• December 13: Reconciliation Prayer Service – 7:00 pm
• December 25: Christmas Tableaux – 10:30 am
Throughout Advent: Outreach to Emergency Services and
Jamaican Missions
Grade 2:
Meeting / Mass / Breakfast / and Retreat: Saturday, January
7, beginning 8:45 am in the Main Church. Dr. Dix will review
particulars of First Eucharist and Father will address families
during his homily. Family breakfast follows in the cafeteria.
Grade 2 students participate in a presentation on Eucharist by
JMT Productions. Letters and details are being sent home.
Paperwork: Information sheet, baptismal certificate, and
sacrament fee are due prior to the January meeting. Please
return items to RE Office in a sealed envelope.
Grade 7:
Paperwork: Information sheet, baptismal certificate, sponsor
eligibility certificate, and sacrament fee are due December 31.
Please return items to RE Office in a sealed envelope.
Service Opportunities: Available on the parish website.
Please contact the RE Office to sign up!
Grade 8:
Involvement in the parish continues with active discipleship,
including Youth Group, outreach to Ronald McDonald House,
and an invitation to serve in the various parish ministries.
Please check the parish website for details.
Honeywell Instant Alert:
All families in the Religious
Education Program are asked to activate / update their
emergency contact information. Link is available from the
parish website.
Casserole Collection
We will be collecting frozen casseroles on Monday, December
12 in the Heritage House from 7:00 to 8:00 pm, and on
Tuesday, December 13 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. All casseroles
are delivered to Catholic Charities in Delanco. They are then
distributed to families in need throughout Burlington County.
Baking pans are available in the room behind the Sacred Heart
statue in the upper church.
Thank You!
Thank you to all those who donated to our Blood Drive last
weekend. The outstanding results of the 12-4-11 blood drive
were 36 units, bringing the total donation of the year to 114
pints. This amazing total for 2011 has earned a $1,000.00
scholarship for OLGC School. This "scholarship" is a $1,000.00
check which will be sent early in early January to the attention
of Fr. Damian for OLGC School from the Community Blood
Council. We would like to thank all those who donated, those
who attempted to donate, and those who organized and worked
the event. There is no telling how many lives will be saved by
such generosity from our parishioners. Thank you!
December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent
National Retirement
Fund for Religious
Retired religious need your support. By 2019, it is projected
that retired religious will outnumber wage-earning religious by
nearly four to one. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for
Religious helps to ensure that elderly Catholic sisters, brothers,
and religious order priests receive the care they so richly
deserve, now and in the future. Please give generously to
today’s second collection.
Whole Community Catechesis
Gospel – John 1:6-8, 19-28
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests
and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
he admitted and did not deny it,
but admitted, "I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent
us? What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
make straight the way of the Lord,
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.
Third Sunday of Advent
John’s message in today’s Gospel is so important: “Make
straight the way of the Lord.” When we get distracted from
Jesus, the “way of the Lord” gets crooked as we can get so
caught up in planning, shopping, and decorating that we fail to
testify to Jesus. Remember to testify to Jesus this Advent.
Question of the week:
Adult: What example do you give others to help them
recognize Jesus?
Child: What will you tell others about Jesus this week?
Journal Starter: I testify for Jesus when I…
Word of the Week: My testimony might help someone…
Page 4
Youth Group News
Sunday, Dec. 11: Meeting will begin at 7:00 pm sharp in the
Main Church. Youth Group will participate in Lessons in
Carols until 8:00 pm and then have a Holiday celebration in the
cafeteria from 8:00-9:00 pm.
Sunday, Dec.18:
Christmas Caroling at Care One in
Moorestown from 6:30-8:00 pm. Students will provide their own
transportation to and from Care One on Westfield Road.
Students are asked to bring a $1.00 wrapped gift for a gift
exchange.
BE CREATIVE IN YOUR GIFT CHOICE.
Refreshments will be provided.
Catholic Charities Service Time: Catholic Charities will need
“Elves” to help clients choose items from the Secret Santa
Store. This service will take place from 3:00-5:00 pm on the
following dates: 12/14, 12/15, 12/21, & 12/22. Transportation is
available and pick-up & drop off will be either at OLGC parking
lot or Moorestown H.S. There is a limit of 3 students per day,
so please register on line if you want to earn this service time.
Contact Mrs. Dowiak at dowiaks@olgcnj.org by December 5th.
The program that we offered parishioners about three years
ago for making your donations to Our Lady’s Parish
automatically has become a well received convenience for
those of you that have signed up for it. Each year, parishioners
can go on OLGC’s web site and click on the ParishGiving link to
enter in their desired donations for each month and then forget
about it because your support of our parish is done
automatically.
We suggest that parishioners, who are enrolled in this program,
check on their ParishGiving site as to whether or not you
entered in your intended contribution for the Christmas and
Easter Seasons. These are not considered by the system as
regular monthly collections.
For those of you have not enrolled in ParishGiving, please take
one of the brochures in the back of the church and read about
how easy it is to support our church with this program. Imagine
being able to support your church and get points on your
charge card. This program allows for that feature. Thank you
for your continued support.
Celebrate the holidays with the perfect family musical produced
by the award-winning Moorestown Theater Company, Inc. The
non-profit MTC presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound
Of Music performed by an 80-member cast of children between
the ages of 6 and 17, including seven current OLGC students
and recent alumnae. This beloved musical is appropriate for
audience members of all ages and is performing at the
Moorestown Upper Elementary School (325 Borton Landing
Road) – Saturday (Dec. 10) at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm, and Sunday
(Dec. 11) at 2:00 pm.
All tickets are reserved and are $10.
You
can
purchase
tickets
at
www.MoorestownTheaterCompany.org or at the door.
Please call MTC at (856) 778-8357 if you have any other
questions. Bring the whole family and make The Sound Of
Music one of your “Favorite Things!”
December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent
Looking for Employment?
On December 14, 2011, the CTP will present a training program
on “JOB SEARCH AND NETWORKING STRATEGIES.” The
successful job seeker quickly realizes that looking for a new
position is a full time job. This training program will teach job
seekers how to approach their search.
Specifically, the
attendee will learn: The importance of re-connecting with
yourself; How to organize your job search; The importance of
managing your day; How to research; Job search strategies;
Networking Strategies; and How to stay engaged in your
search.
Training is at St Isaac Jogues Church, in the “Parish Hall,”
Evesboro-Medford Rd & Elmwood Rd, Marlton, NJ. Networking
starts at 6:30 pm; the presentation begins at 7:00 pm. Preregistration is not required. For more information, please visit
our website, www.ctpnj.org.
Children and Youth Music Ministry
December Schedule
• HS Praise Band: Sun. Dec. 11, & 18 - 10:30 am Mass, Gym
• LESSONS & CAROLS: Sun. Dec. 11, 7:00 pm – all choirs
and ensembles
• Children’s Choir: Sat., Dec. 17, 4:30 pm Mass, Main Church
• HS Praise Band Singers with String Ensemble: Sat. Dec. 24,
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass, Gym
• Youth Choir/Girls’ Chapel Choir: Sat., Dec. 24, 4:00 pm
Christmas Eve Mass, Main Church
For more information, please contact Paula Quann at (856)
235-5395, music office.
Catholic Christmas Campaign
Our Lady of Good Counsel has always been very supportive of
this drive to raise funds to help needy families in our area
during this special time of year. Your contributions are used to
purchase food certificates to enable people of all faiths to enjoy
a joyful Christmas dinner where they otherwise might not.
Please consider sending a tax deductible contribution to:
Catholic Christmas Campaign, 40 East Main St., Moorestown.
Advent / Christmas Outreach
Toy Drive: New, unwrapped toys are brought to Catholic
Charities Emergency Services in Delanco throughout the month
of December.
How can I help: drop off toys to Heritage House from 9:00 AM
to 5:00 PM during the week or 8:30 AM -12:00 Noon on
Sunday; on Saturdays, to the box marked Christmas Toys in
the crypt chapel. The deadline to drop items in the Heritage
House is Friday, December 18, 2011.
Store for Clients: Families are invited to donate a variety of
new gift items to enable Catholic Charities’ clients to “shop” for
gifts for their own families. Catholic Charities sets up a store
two weeks prior to Christmas and clients “shop” for holiday
items for their families.
Page 5
How can I help: New items may be donated for any age level
to Heritage House and marked “Holiday Shop” or taken directly
to Emergency Services, Delanco at this address: 801
Burlington Avenue, Delanco. Located at the intersection of
Coopertown Road and Burlington Avenue in the Camp Meeting
Grounds Center. For client assistance called: (856) 764-6940.
Hostess Gifts: Many times throughout the holiday season,
family and friends never quite know what to bring the “host and
hostess with the mostest.” A suggestion: a gift which can be
donated to a child or family in need through Emergency
Services.
How can I help: Hostess or guest gift cards can be obtained
through Heritage House at (856) 235-7136, RE Department.
Sponsorship Program: Need a stocking stuffer? Donate a
cash gift to the poor children of Haiti or Jamaica through the
Missionaries of the Poor/ St. Francis Primary School
Sponsorship Program.
How can I help: Gift cards can be obtained at Heritage House
RE Department.
Toys and stuffed animals: are also needed by Crossroads, a
shelter for teenagers located in Willingboro.
How can I help: Drop off items at Crossroads located at: 610
Beverly-Rancocas Road Phone: (609) 880-0120.
Socks and Mittens: are also needed by Emergency Services
throughout December and January
How can I help: School children can bring in socks and
mittens to their classrooms; parishioners can drop off at
Heritage House or directly to Emergency Services.
Toiletry Boxes: are needed by victims of domestic violence at
Providence House.
How can I help: Fill shoe boxes with toothpaste, toothbrushes,
soap, shampoo, small stuffed animals, combs, hair brushes,
and small toiletry items and please drop off at Heritage House,
marked for Providence House.
Casseroles, Turkeys and Canned Goods: are collected
throughout December and given to Emergency Services and
also kept in Heritage House. If you know of someone who is in
need of food, please drop by and help yourself to the
casseroles in the freezer in Heritage House. Call Linda Dix at
(856) 235-7136 to reserve a turkey for someone in need.
Confidentiality is insured.
How can I help: take the casserole pans from the Prayer
Room and return with frozen casseroles or donate a turkey/ham
to the parish. Please use the boxes in the back of Church for
canned goods each week.
Aid for Friends: this is an ongoing food endeavor involving
smaller food trays. Please contact Deacon Dave Papuga if
anyone is in need of these smaller food trays.
How can I help: Take the smaller food trays from the church
pantry in the crypt chapel and return them filled. Please sign in
on the forms indicated.
Christmas Cards: Used and unused Christmas cards are cut
into puzzles for the children of the Franciscan missions in the
Pando of Bolivia and also used for sorting and matching in nonverbal activities with the special needs children of the parish.
How can I help: save all your used Christmas cards and drop
them off to Heritage House in January.
Coloring Books / Craft Kits: New coloring books, crayons,
and craft kits are needed for the very ill children living in Ronald
McDonald House, Camden.
How can I help: Drop off items at Heritage House.