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TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
August 19/20, 2017
In today’s Gospel Mt 15:21-28, a woman, who is not Jewish, approaches Jesus, asking him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. But Jesus ignores her; and the disciples ask Jesus to send her away, as she is annoying. Jesus agrees, remarking that he was sent to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
But the woman perseveres, paying homage to Jesus. But Jesus denies her request again. He even insults her, using a Jewish word of derision for Gentiles, dog. "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." But the woman shrewdly turns Jesus’ insult into an affirmation of faith. "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Jesus then grants her request and heals her daughter.
Jesus’ indifference to this woman may strike us as shocking. Yet in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is primarily to the people of Israel. At only a very few points, such as the one found in today’s Gospel, do we find Jesus foreseeing the later Christian ministry to the rest of the world.
This early Christian community struggled to understand how God’s choice of Israel is consistent with two events: Israel’s rejection of Jesus and the Gentiles’ acceptance of Jesus. Just as Jesus was surprised by the faith expressed by the Canaanite woman, the first Christians were also surprised that the Gentiles would receive the salvation God offered through Christ. In today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans, we hear the apostle Paul considering this same concern.
The faith that the Canaanite woman expresses is an affirmation of and confidence in God’s abundant mercy. Yes, salvation comes through Israel, but it overflows for the benefit of all.
Parish News & Updates
- Religious Education and Confirmation: Please Register Now !Attention: Parents of September’s first graders! Preparing for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist is a twoyear process beginning in the first grade. If your child is starting first grade in public school this September, please register for Religious Formation as soon as possible. The forms are available in the parish office or on line at holyspiritparishnj.org. Classes will be organized and books ordered soon, so please don’t delay! New parishioners with older children are also asked to register now.
The registration form for religious education for Grades 1-8 can be downloaded and printed HERE.
The registration form for the Confirmation program can be downloaded and printed HERE.
- Diocesan Pilgrimage to National Basilica in October
The Diocese of Paterson will be hosting the 2017 Pilgrimage on October 21st. The trip will provide the faithful the opportunity to join parishioners throughout the dioces
e in a prayer filled day at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are two options to participate, a two-day trip which includes visits to the St. Jude Shrine, the Baltimore Basilica and the National Shrine in Washington or the one full day trip to National Shrine in Washington that includes Mass, Confession, Rosary, Divine Mercy, and Catechetical presentations. The flyer with complete information can be found HERE.
- Applebees Parish Fundraising Breakfast on September 9, 2017: UPDATED INFORMATION!
- Air Conditioning Update: Donations Needed!Air Conditioning UpdateDuring a recent repair of the air conditioning system in the church, the repair person advised us that the system, which was installed some 32-35 years ago, needs to be replaced. We are currently soliciting bids for a new system and will advise everyone of the amount as soon as possible. We ask that parishioners consider making a donation to cover the cost of the new unit, and installation. Please label your donation “air conditioning” (include your envelope #) and place it in the collection, mail it to the parish office, or drop it in the mail slot at the parish office. All donations will bea great help to the parish, and your continued generosity is always appreciated.
- Retirement Reception for Fr. Charles Waller on September 17
All are welcome to join in the planning for the September 17, 2017 retirement reception for Fr. Charles Waller, which will take place at Holy Spirit Church. The first planning meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:30PM in the Seniors' Room of the church basement. Fr. Waller's first assignment following his ordination was here at Holy Spirit Church in 1973. He is currently the Director of Pastoral Care at Straight and Narrow.
- Holy Spiri School's 60th Anniversary: Save the Date--October 14, 2017 !!!
Holy Spirit School’s 60th Anniversary Gala will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Castle Banquet Hall, Rt. 23, Pequannock from 6:30 to 11:30 pm. Please save the date and consider joining us to celebrate our school’s special anniversary. - CLERGY SCHEDULE - August 19/20, 2017
Clergy Schedule
5:00PM Fr. Shemic
7:30AM Fr. Shemic
10:30AM Fr. David
7:00PM Fr. Ed Lambro
- RECENT CATHOLIC NEWS
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
What is R.C.I.A.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the coming home of any adult into the full and warm embrace of God the Father and Holy Mother Church. It is a joyous time of growth, healing, and love in the life of any adult who comes to a relationship of faith, hope and love in God through Jesus Christ. Receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, the adult catechumen or candidate is welcomed into the full life of the Church and encouraged to engage in the life and ministries of the Church as faith leads to action.
The adult catechumen or candidate is also exposed to the life of holiness, a call from God experienced by all people, and the many ways he or she can live that call as a servant of Christ and His Church. The catechumen or candidate is exposed to the different spiritual traditions of the Church, as well as her charitable and liturgical activities and ministries, so that he or she can find a home in the life of the Church and contribute his or her gifts and talents to the building up of the kingdom of God.
RCIA is an 8-month process by which adult, baptized Catholics complete their sacraments of initiation, and those who would like to become Catholic for the first time receive their sacraments, is beginning registration now. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining these sessions, please call the Parish Office at (973) 696-1234.
- Visits for the Homebound
If you know of someone who is homebound and would like to schedule a visit from one of our Eucharistic Ministers for Holy Communion, please have them call the Parish Office at (973) 696-1234. Homebound individuals who would like a visit from Fr. David for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick or the Sacrament of Reconciliation may also call the Parish Office to arrange for a visit.
About Us
Rev. David Monteleone Pastor
Rev. Przemyslaw Nowak
(Fr. Shemik)
(In residence during breaks from Catholic U.)
Rev. Mr. Michael Scruggs, Deacon
Rev. Mr. Gary Zack, Deacon
Parish Trustees:
Mrs. Kathleen Bekker
Mr. Louis Piccoli
Holy Spirit Church
318 Newark-Pompton Turnpike
Pequannock, NJ 07440
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am - 3:00PM
318 Newark-Pompton Turnpike
Pequannock, NJ 07440
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am - 3:00PM
Phone
973-696-1234
973-696-1234
Weekend Masses
Saturday
5:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM
Sunday Summer Schedule (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
7:30 AM
10:30AM
10:30AM
7:00PM
Weekday Masses:
Monday - Friday
8:30AM
Monday - Friday
8:30AM
Rosary and Miraculous Medal Novena
Fridays @ 8:00AM
Fridays @ 8:00AM
Reconciliation:
Saturday
4:00 to 4:30PM
Saturday
4:00 to 4:30PM
Holy Day Masses:
As Announced.
As Announced.
Vol.1, No.1, Nov., 2016
Vol.2, No. 1, January 2017
Vol. 2, No. 2, March 2017
Vol 2, No. 3, May 2017
Vol. 2, No. 4, July 2017
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