Monday, December 30, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

On behalf of all of us at St. Mary's Parish, we would like to wish you and your family a very Happy and Holy Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Classes will resume on Sunday, January 5 and Tuesday, January 7.
Our next Confirmation Class will be on Tuesday, January 14.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Classes are in Session

Classes are still in session for today, December 15. 

We will also still be having our Santa Breakfast following the 10:30am Mass.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

UPDATE: CCD Classes for Grades 1-6 and Confirmation Class is Cancelled for Today, December 10

Due to inclement weather for this afternoon and evening, we are canceling Religious Education classes for Grades 1-6 and Confirmation. 

Grades 1-6 will have class next Tuesday, December 17 as per the calendar.
You can still RSVP for the Pancakes with Santa Breakfast by email (Armandoa@stmarysnutley.org) or by calling the Parish Center 973-235-1100

Confirmation class will be rescheduled for Tuesday, March 25. 2014.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

St. Mary's Religious Education News

November is traditionally a time to give thanks. Our first opportunity to say "thank you" is on Veterans Day as we thank those who served our country. Less than a week ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving and had the chance to thank God for all of the blessings that he has given to us in our lives.  All of us who work, volunteer and attend the Religious Education program have much to be thankful for during this past month. 


In November, we began our Liturgy of the Word for Children during the 10:30am Mass.  It has truly been a great way for all of us, especially the children to experience the Word of God. Just as the Liturgy of the Word is about to begin in the church, the priest invites all the children to go down to Walsh Hall. Once down there, the children hear the readings of the day proclaimed by our volunteers, Diane, Angela, Karen or by one of our priests. The children then get to talk about what these readings mean and how they can live out God's Word in their lives. We then pray the Apostles Creed together and learn more about the things that we believe. The last thing we do before we return to the main church is pray together. The children come up with prayers and ask the group to pray for the things that they are concerned about and together we lift up our prayers to God. As we head back upstairs, each child is given a sheet to take home called The Good News Weekly. This sheet is a great way for families to continue the conversation about Mass at home. If your children have not yet had the chance to experience the Liturgy of the Word for Children, we would invite you to give it a try at the 10:30am Mass this week. Parents are more than welcome to join us too. 

On November 3, Fr. Tom stopped by our 8th Grade classes and spent some time talking to them about the saints and All Saints Day. He explained how a saint is canonized and spoke about saints that we can all look to as heroes of our faith.  He especially focused on saints that young people can look to as role models. Included in his presentation was a little show and tell with prayer cards, holy objects, and relics of some of the saints. It was a great opportunity for the students and teachers to hear about the saints who we can turn to for help and inspiration.

On November 24, following our 10:30am Mass, we had our November family event, where the children made Thanksgiving Day cards for our friends who live in the senior centers in Nutley. We had a great turnout and children and parents helped us to make 130 cards that were distributed to the senior residents. We also enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies together. It was a great way to spend time as a parish family together.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

The First Sunday of Advent


As the holy season of Advent begins, we have the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the blessed events of Christmas day.  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has a great  website with an Advent Calendar of ways to enter more deeply into the season of Advent.

We hope that you will join us here at St. Mary's as we too take the time to prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus. Please see the website, bulletin, Facebook and Twitter pages of St. Mary's Church for more information.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of the priests, deacon, and staff of St. Mary's Church, we wish you and your family a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. 

O Gracious God, we give you thanks for your overflowing generosity to us. Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank you for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank you for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to your love. We ask your blessing through Christ your son. Amen.


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Busy Weekend at St. Mary's

This weekend begins a busy week at St. Mary's Parish. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we ask God for a grateful heart for all of the blessings that he bestows on us. We hope to see you around the parish for some of these events and for Mass on Sunday.

Turkey Drive
Saturday, November 23 4:30-6:30pm
Sunday, November 24 8am-12:30pm
We are accepting donations of frozen turkeys for the Community Foodbank.


Making Thanksgiving Day Cards for Seniors
on Sunday, November 24, in Monsignor Walsh Hall following the 10:30am Mass, we will be making Thanksgiving Day Cards for our friends at the senior citizen residences in Nutley. All children and their parents are invited to attend. Hot Chocolate and cookies will be served.


First Penance Preparation for our Sunday students and parents will take place in Monsignor Walsh Hall this Sunday, November 24 at 9:30am. Please drop your child off to their classroom for 9:00am as usual and then meet us in Monsignor Walsh Hall by 9:20am. The students will be brought over by their 2nd Grade teachers. If you have a child making First Penance and they are not in Grade 2, please come over to the school to pick up your child.

Monday, October 28, 2013

All Saints Day

All Saints is a Holy Day of Obligation celebrated on November 1.
Our Mass schedule for the Holy Day is
Friday, November 1
Masses: 6:30am, 8:00am, 12:10pm & 7:00pm (all in the Church) 

If you would like to learn more about some of the saints together with your family Sadlier Religion has a great site that offers a brief story of their lives. It's a great way to celebrate the saints that inspire us to strive to live as true disciples of Jesus.


St. Mary's Religious Education News

October was a busy month in the Religious Education Program, we hope you were able to take part in some of our events. If you missed out, don't fret, we are planning some great things for November.

We began our Confirmation Preparation Program with a parent and candidate meeting and had our first class that focused on the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Sunday, October 27, we celebrated the Rite of Welcoming for our 41 Confirmation Candidates. Fr. Trinidad celebrated the Mass that officially welcomes the candidates into preparation for the Sacrament. Each candidate also received a Bible that they will use to help them to listen to God's meesage in their lives. Please pray for them as they continue on their journey of faith.


We also began our First Penance Program with a Parent Meeting that included Fr. Trinidad enriching us all about the beautiful Sacrament of Penance. Through the forgiveness of God given through the sacrament, we are freed of the things that hold us back from finding true joy in our lives. This reconciliation with God allows us to start our relationship with Him anew. The Sacrament of Penance, which is sometimes seen in a negative way, is actually a sacrament of joy and healing. We pray for and encourage all those who have been a way from the Sacrament of Penance to come back and allow yourself to receive God's abundant mercy, love and forgiveness. 

On Sunday, October 27, Bishop McDonnell and  Fr. Trinidad fielded questions from our 8th Grade students.  Bishop McDonnell spoke about the role of a bishop and about his time as chaplain in the army and how he was chosen to be a bishop by the Holy Father.  They then answered some deep questions about God's love, the creation of our world, sin, prayer, and Mary. It was great to see the students engaged in learning more about our faith.

And last but not least, in our first of many family events, we decorated pumpkins that were distributed to the residents of two of the senior centers in Nutley. Over 70 children helped to decorate 125 pumpkins, while enjoying some donuts and apple cider. A special thank you goes out to all of the children and parents who made this a great day and to our Confirmation candidates, who made sure everyone had enough supplies (and donuts!) 
The pumpkins were delivered the next day and the residents were very grateful to receive the beautifully decorated pumpkins from our students.

A "Thank You" from our seniors who received a pumpkin decorated by our students.





Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Mass of Welcoming for Confirmation

On Sunday, October 27 at the 12 Noon Mass, the Confirmation candidates will officially be welcomed into the preparation program at St. Mary's Church.

We ask that the candidates arrive for 11:45am. 
Upon arrival, candidates should check in with one of the catechists who will be stationed near the Baptismal font.
Candidates and their families should sit in reserved sections in the front part of the church. 


Monday, October 21, 2013

1st Penance Parent Meeting - Tonight at 7pm in the Church

If you have not yet handed in the registration form for the 1st Penance/1st Communion Program, please click on the link below to download the form and bring it with you to the meeting tonight.

1st Penance/1st Holy Communion Registration Form


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Pumpkin Decoration on Sunday, October 20

                                              
Paint a Pumpkin
Make a Senior Smile

Sunday, October 20th following the 10:30 Mass 
in Monsignor Walsh Hall

We Invite the children of St. Mary’s Religious Education Program to decorate pumpkins to be distributed to the residents of the Parkside Apartments and Nutley Senior Manor.

Pumpkins, paint and markers will be supplied

Cider and Donuts will be served.

Please RSVP by calling 973-235-1100 by Thursday, October 17.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Classes Cancelled for Sunday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 15

Due to the 4 day weekend in the Nutley School District, we will be canceling class on Sunday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 15. Please note the change on your calendar.

First Penance Parent Meeting changed to October 21

The First Penance Parent Meeting that was originally scheduled for Monday, October 14 is being moved to October 21 at 7:00pm in the Church. Please note the change in your calendar.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Confirmation Parent and Candidate Meeting

On Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30pm in the Church, we will have a Confirmation Parent and Candidate Meeting. At this meeting, we will go over all of the specifics of the Confirmation Program. If you have not yet sent in your Confirmation registration, please bring it with you to the meeting.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Religious Education 2013/14 Calendar

I hope everyone had a first day of school! Religious Education classes will begin in just over a week on Sunday, September 15 and Tuesday, September 17.  If you have not yet registered your child, please do so by Thursday, September 12, so that they will not miss the first day of class.  
You will be receiving a letter in the mail on Monday or Tuesday with the calendar for the year, which lists all of the important dates for Grades K-8.  Please read the letter carefully, so that you will know what to do on the first day of class.  We also invite you to attend Mass on September 15 at 10:30am in the Church for Catechetical Sunday.
We look forward to another year of growing in faith together. 

Monday, August 26, 2013

Classes Starting Soon!!!

Religious Education Classes will be starting on Sunday, September 15 and Tuesday, September 17. If you have not yet registered, please do so quickly. Classes are being formed and we would like to accommodate your preference of days.

If you are unable to locate your forms, you can download them here: 
2013/14 Religious Education Registration Forms


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Catechists Still Needed!


Do you love God? Do you want to serve Him through His people?
We are looking for people who are seeking to live out Jesus's call to discipleship:

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Matthew 19-20

Catechists are still needed to help pass on the faith to the children of our parish.  We have positions available on both Sunday and Tuesday for Grades 1, 3, and 5.

  If you are interested in volunteering your time and talent, please email, Anthony Armando
(armandoa@stmarysnutley.org)

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sacrament Registration

Registration forms for the Sacraments of Confirmation and 1st Penance/1st Holy Communion will be sent out at the beginning of August to families who attended Religious Education classes in 2012/13.

Requirements for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Grade 9):


  • Must have attended Religious Education classes in either a CCD program or in a Catholic Elementary School for Grades 1-8.
  • Must be a baptized Catholic and have received First Penance and First Holy Communion.
Requirements for the Sacraments of 1st Penance/1st Holy Communion (Grade 2):
  • Must have attended Religious Education classes in either a CCD program or in a Catholic Elementary School for Grade 1 and be enrolled for Grade 2.
  • Must be a baptized Catholic.
If you have any questions please email Anthony Armando (armandoa@stmarysnutley.org)

Monday, May 20, 2013

Registration for 2013-14

Registration for the 2013-14 Religious Education School Year will begin in June. Registration forms will be mailed to all families who were a part of our program for 2012-13. If you are new to the parish or program, please email Anthony Armando (armandoa@stmarysnutley.org) for information and registration forms.

Religious Education classes will begin in September 2013. Families have the option of choosing between classes on Sundays 9-10:15am or Tuesdays 3:45-5:00pm.  We also have a program for Kindergarteners on Sundays.

Children should be enrolled in Religious Education classes beginning in Grade 1, in order to receive First Holy Communion in Grade 2, and should continue each year through Grade 8. Students will then prepare directly for Confirmation in Grade 9.

Congratulations to our Confirmandi



On Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the 12 Noon Mass, our parish family celebrated the feast of Pentecost and the Confirmation of 73 of our young people. Bishop McDonnell presided over the Mass and spoke to the candidates about what it means to receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit. We ask your prayers for our young people who have been called by God and blessed with the gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Courage, Right Judgement, Reverence, and Wonder and Awe. They are a vital part of our parish family and we look forward to them being present and active in our Church.


Monday, May 6, 2013

1st Holy Communion


On behalf of our Pastor, Fr. Ernest Rush, Bishop McDonnell, Fr. Tom, and Fr. Trinidad, I would like to extend a congratulations to all of our children who received their First Holy Communion this year.  69 children received the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist for the first time during the past three weeks.  We look forward to seeing them with us at the celebration of Mass each week.
A special "thank you" also goes out to the catechists and parents who helped to prepare them for this important sacrament.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Final Week of Religious Education Class

Sunday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 23 mark our final days of Religious Education classes for grades K-8. We hope that each of our students has grown in faith and knowledge during this year.

In a very special way, we would like to thank the catechists and volunteers who gave of their time and talent to be with us each week to guide the students in faith and be a true of example of God's love.

Although our formal Religious Education classes are coming to an end for 2012-13, it does not mean that our faith takes a vacation for the summer. We are still called to celebrate and receive Jesus' love in the sacraments and through prayer.  Sunday Mass is the most important way for us to experience God's love for us as we listen to His Word in scripture and receive the Most Precious Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.  Prayer is also an important way for us to build and strengthen our relationship with Jesus and as our students in Kindergarten learned this year, we can pray "anytime, anywhere and say anything to Jesus."  

As we take time to care for our bodies by eating good foods, getting enough rest, and showering and brushing our teeth, we need to take care of our souls by receiving the Eucharist, talking to Jesus in prayer, and obeying all that Jesus has taught us.

During the summer, we will stay connected to you through this website with information about the parish and religious education program and will also pass on to you resources that can help you and your family grow in faith.  We thank you for your continued support of our parish and hope to see you each week at the celebration of Mass.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Remaining Class Schedule

With the end of the Religious Education year approaching, we hope that the knowledge you have gained this year has helped you and your family grow more deeply in faith.

We still have a few more classes and a few more opportunities to learn about Jesus and the love that He has for each of us, so please do your best to attend each class.

Sunday:
March 31: No Class - Easter Sunday
April 7: Class in Session (Last class for 2nd Grade only)
April 14: No Class - Spring Break
April 21: Class in Session (Final class of the year)

Tuesday: 
March 26 : Class in Session
April 2: No Class - Easter Break
April 9: Class in Session (Last class for 2nd Grade only)
April 16: No Class - Spring Break
April 23: Class in Session (Final class of the year)

Confirmation Program:
March 26: Group 2
April 9: Both Groups 1 & 2 
April 23: Both Groups 1 & 2 
May 7: Both Groups 1 & 2 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tests

On March 17 & March 19, Grades 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 will be taking their cumulative test for the 2012-13 term. Please remember to study and use the review sheets, so that you can do the best that you can on the test.  Please bring a pencil to write with and your book so that we can continue to learn after the test is complete.
Grades 5 and 8 will take the ACRE Test on March 24/26. This is a standardized test, which is required by the Archdiocese of Newark.

Celebrating 1st Penance - Saturday, March 16, 2013

This Saturday, March 16, our 2nd Graders will be making their 1st Penance.  Children and their families should arrive by 12:45, so that we may start at 1pm.
Children should come dressed appropriately for church. 
We will begin with a Liturgy of the Word service followed by individual confessions. Parents and family members are also welcome to receive the Sacrament of Penance at this time.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Review Sheets

On Sunday, February 17 and February 19, review sheets for Grades 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 were given to each catechist.  The review sheets will be worked on and completed in class and should be returned to class with the student each week. All of the answers come from the book(s) that they have been using in class. When the review sheets are completed the students should use them to prepare for their test on March 17/March 19.  I have also posted the study guides on the website in the right column in case your child should need another one or you would like to have a copy.
Grades 5 & 8 will be taking a standardized test, which is required by the Archdiocese of Newark. The ACRE Test will be given on March 24/March 26.  Each of the catechists in those grades was given a sheet to go over with the students to help them refresh their memories on certain subjects. There is no study guide given to the students for the ACRE standardized test.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Confirmation Group 1 next class is February 12.

Class is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 12 from 7-8:45pm. There was an error on the original schedule, we apologize for the inconvenience.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

February Religious Education Schedule

Sunday, February 3 - Classes K-8 in session   9-10:15am
Sunday, February 3 - Confirmation Make-up Class   9-10:15am

Tuesday, February 5 - Classes 1-6 in session 3:45-5pm

Sunday, February 10 - Classes K-8 in session   9-10:15am

Tuesday, February 12 - Classes 1-6 in session 3:45-5pm
Tuesday, February 12 - Confirmation Class Group 1 (A-K)  7-8:45pm

Sunday, February 17 - No Religious Education Classes
Tuesday, February 19 - No Religious Education Classes

Sunday, February 24 - Classes K-8 in session   9-10:15am

Monday, February 25 - 1st Penance Interviews 3:40-5:00pm (scheduled)
Tuesday, February 26 - 1st Penance Interviews 3:40-5:00pm (scheduled)
                             Penance Books are due back 


Tuesday, February 26 - Classes 1-6 in session 3:45-5pm
Tuesday, February 26 - Confirmation Class Group 2 (L-Z)  7-8:45pm

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Family Bingo Night


   Family Bingo Night
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Saturday, January 26
7:00 p.m.
in Msgr. Walsh Hall

Join the Saint Mary’s
Religious Education Families for
another fun evening of Family BINGO 

Free admission; cash ice cream sundae bar; families can bring snacks and drinks.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Religious Education Classes Resume Sunday, January 6, 2013

We hope that everyone had a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.  
Our classes resume this Sunday, January 6 and Tuesday, January 8.
Confirmation Class for Group 1 is January 8 in the cafeteria.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Confirmation Day Retreat is Saturday, January 5, 2013


Dear Confirmation Candidates and Parents,

This has been a very busy time for us as we have been preparing a great retreat day that all of us will be able to enjoy.  A retreat is a great opportunity to step back from everyday life and all of its stresses; it gives an opportunity to assess our lives and where we are. For the past 8 years, you have learned about our faith and about Jesus. As you are becoming a young adult it is important to use the knowledge that you have gained not just to know about Jesus, but to know who Jesus is in your life. This is the personal relationship that you will be confirming on your Confirmation day.
The purpose for this retreat is to get away from our normal, daily lives and the distractions that it sometimes brings. We are in constant contact with one another and our culture through the internet, cell phones, and ipods. This retreat is our opportunity to be in contact with God and to listen to what He has in store for us.  Throughout the day we will talk about how we are called to a relationship with Jesus and how that relationship can lead us through our entire life. We will experience this through witness talks from the team members, activities, games, and small group discussions.

What you need to know:
1. Dress comfortably and appropriately. Please refrain from wearing revealing clothing.
2. Cell phones. We ask that all cell phones be left at home. During the retreat cell phones will be turned off. If you need to get in touch with your child, you may call the adult chaperones and we will allow you to speak with them. If your child needs to get in touch with you, they will be able to use one of our phones at any time. 
3.  An open heart, mind and spirit.

*** If you have any medication, please bring a note from your parents and give it to Anthony when you arrive at the retreat center.

 DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING

1.       Ipods, Ipads, Kindles, Mp3 players, video games or any other such electronic equipment.

2 .      Personal food, drinks, candy, or gum.

*If you have special dietary needs, please bring a note from your parent and give it and the food to Anthony.

Where we are going:
The Retreat is being held at the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center in Kearny, NJ.
The address is 499 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ 07032.

On Saturday, January 5, 2013:
Drop Off:
Please arrive at the retreat center by 8:30am for check in. The entrance is in the back of the building. Just go down the driveway just past the church and drive around towards the canopy on the building on the right.  Please eat breakfast before arriving.

Pick Up:
Please arrive at the retreat center for our Closing Mass by 7:15pm, so that we may begin at 7:30pm. Mass will be held in the church building next to the retreat center, you may park on the street or in the lot.

If you have not handed in a permission slip, please do so by January 3, 2013. 
It can be downloaded here: Retreat Permission Slip

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the Parish Office 973-667-8239