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THE
BRIDGE
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
- PARISH STAFF Fr. Jim Scullion, OFM, Pastor
Michele Beck, Music
Theresa Cassata, OFS, FFF
Deacon Robert Cunningham
Fr. Kevin Daly, OFM
Fr. John Frambes, OFM
Sr. Patricia Klemm, OSF
Sr. Patricia McNiff, OSF
Jo Anne Reeder, Worship
Deacon Richard Titmas
Deacon George Walker, OFS
Parish Office
(609) 494-8813
Mon. - Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM
(Closed for lunch 12 - 1 PM)
Family Faith Formation
(609) 494-8813 ext. 153
Community Center
(609) 494-8861
Counseling Services
(609) 494-1554
Read our bulletin online at
www.stfrancisparishlbi.org
Daily gospel reflections can
be found on facebook at:
www.facebook.com/stfrancisparishlbi
Follow
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usus
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Twitter:
Twitter:
@StFrancisLBI
@StFrancisLBI
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
is a Franciscan Faith Community of
Holy Name Province
in the Diocese of Trenton.
Find out more about
Holy Name Province online at www.hpn.org
Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY
Vocation Office
jostreva@yahoo.com
Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, PA
Vocation Office
vocations@osfphila.org
St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS
All Saints Regional Catholic School
400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ, 08050
(609) 597-3800 or visit: www.asrcs.org
With open
arms for all!
DECEMBER 21, 2014
Christ is our peace
St. Francis of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ
DATE
MASS INTENTIONS
(L) Living +Deceased
Saturday,
9:00 AM +James Farrell
December 20 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation
5:00 PM +Rocco Sallette
+Helen Krupa
+Sarah & Earle Smith
+Donald Mears
Sunday,
8:45 AM +Grace Mc Glory
December 21
+Helen Wagner
10:00 AM +Jack Maher
+Dr. Richard & Anne Gove
+Victor Karl
11:15 AM +Michele Fennessy
+Mary English
Monday,
9:00 AM +Frank A. Braun
December 22
+Jo Hellawell
Tuesday,
9:00 AM +Joan Mitchell
December 23
+Elsie Joan Kigin
Wednesday, Christmas Eve Vigil
December 24 4:00 PM +William & Robert Gardner
(L)+Sonnet & Sonz Families
6:30 PM +Ralph Hagen
+Eugene & Lucille D’Amico
+Ron Riker, Jr.
Thursday,
Christmas
December 25 10:00 AM+Theresa & Hugh Fiorella
+Ann Kattwinkel
(L)+Stein & Kempski Families
Friday,
9:00 AM +Thomas P. Walsh
December 26
Saturday,
9:00 AM +Michael John Wells
December 27 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation
READINGS
Is. 7:10-14;
Lk. 1:26-38
2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12,
14a, 16;
Rom. 16:25-27;
Lk. 1:26-38
2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8b-12,
14a, 16;
Rom. 16:25-27;
Lk. 1:26-38
1 Sm. 1:24-28;
Lk. 1:46-56
Mal. 3:1-4, 23-24;
Lk. 1:57-66
Is. 9:1-6;
Ti. 2:11-14;
Lk. 2:1-14
Is. 9:1-6;
Ti. 2:11-14;
Lk. 2:1-14
EVENTS
8:30 AM Men’s Spirituality, Rm. 212
9:30 AM St. Anthony Devotion
Parish & Center CLOSED
Parish & Center CLOSED
Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59;
Mt. 10:17-22
1 Jn. 1:1-4;
Jn. 20:1a, 2-8
Parish Information
Emergency Information: Available on our answering machine
(609) 494-8861 and on WJRZ 100.1 FM; 98.5 FM; The Breeze
107.1 FM; WOBM 92.7 FM; wobm.com; and 1057thehawk.com
and stfranciscenterlbi.org.
Evacuation Information: In the event of a hurricane, severe
weather, or extreme high tides, please do not call the Parish
Office for assistance and note that none of the parish buildings
(churches, community center, residences or maintenance
facilities) has been designated as an evacuation site. Evacuate
as soon as you can, following the direction of local officials.
St. Thomas Villanova Church
13th & Long Beach Blvd., Surf City , NJ
DATE
Wednesday,
December 24
MASS INTENTIONS
(L) Living +Deceased
Christmas Eve Vigil
4:15 PM +Joseph Glinka
+Peggy Gaydos
+Thomas Barlow
+Carol O’Hara
+Christopher Degheri
Solemnity of Mary
GOSPEL CHALLENGE:
St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach
Wednesday, December 31, 6:00 PM Vigil
Thursday, January 1, 9:00 AM Special Daily Eucharist
“May it be done to me according to your
word.”
St. Francis Parish and Center will be CLOSED:
Wednesday, December 24 & Thursday, December 25
in observance of Christmas and
Thursday, January 1, 2015
in observance of New Year’s Day.
I know that God is calling me. Like Mary, can
I say yes? Can I open my heart to God’s call
and become the faithful and obedient servant
that I want to be?
Page 1 - December 21, 2014
Parish Information
A Letter From The Pastor’s Desk...
Parish Registration: The Parish Office is located on the second
floor of St. Francis Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Blvd.,
Long Beach Twp., NJ. Office hours are Monday through
Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch
from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Please notify the Parish Office as soon
as possible if you are moving.
Baptism: The sacrament is celebrated three times a month at
St. Francis Parish. Group Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday at
10:00 AM and the last Sunday at 12:45 PM each month at
St. Francis Church in Brant Beach. Baptisms during Mass are
celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the last Mass in
each Church. Call the Parish Office for availability and
requirements: at (609) 494-8813 ext. 154 or 155.
Faith Formation and Education: For children ages six
through high school. Please call Theresa Cassata, ofs at
(609) 494-8813 ext. 153 for more information.
Marriage: In accordance with the Common Policy of the five
Dioceses of New Jersey, arrangements must be made ONE
YEAR in advance. Couples are required to attend Marriage
Preparation classes. Weddings are performed on Friday or
Saturday. Weddings are NOT performed on Sundays, the
beach, Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends.
Pastoral Visitations: Please notify the Parish Office if you or
any of your loved ones are ill, homebound, in SOMC, nursing
homes or rehabilitation centers.
We come to the end of Advent and prepare to celebrate
Christmas, a time of joy and of challenge. The Gospel of Mark
begins with Jesus: "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ”
(Mark 1:1). Mark intentionally leaves his Gospel unfinished to
teach that the way of Jesus continues in us, called to be his faithful
followers.
This Advent our nation has faced news reports of violence
against women, of racism, and of torture. How should we respond
as Christians and citizens? We are not asked to parrot back the
teachings of the church but we are asked to take these teachings
seriously and allow them to challenge our "first impulse." As we
hear accusations that our own government has been involved in
torture we followers of Jesus need to listen to his words. The
teaching of the Church is clear and unequivocal: "Genocide,
torture, and the direct and intentional targeting of noncombatants
in war or terrorist attacks are always wrong" (US Catholic
Conference of Bishops, "Faithful Citizenship," #64). As followers
of Jesus we condemn genocide and terrorist attacks but we also
need to condemn our country's use of torture.
During Advent we have heard news reports of injustice, racial
profiling, and violence. We recognize that the police often face
difficult situations and that each situation is different. We need to
examine ourselves for our own racist impulses and allow God to
challenge and change us: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you
are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). We also need to be
strong voices against racism in any form.
This Advent there have also been news reports of violence
against women. At times Scripture is misused to justify the
subordination of women "Wives should be subordinates to their
husbands,” (Ephesians 5:22). No woman should ever think it is
God's will that she should stay in an abusive relation. God's will is
your peace and that you flee from such violence. Just as Jesus was
a strong advocate for women and against any form of violence
against women (John 7:53-8:11) so his faithful followers must be.
Christmas is a time of joy but also of challenge: we truly
celebrate Christmas when we act as real instruments of God’s
peace and active ministers of reconciliation.
Parish Collections
Second Collection Today:
Church Buildings & Grounds Maintenance
Living at the shore requires consistent maintenance & repairs to
the 4 churches that make up St. Francis Parish. This collection
helps us fund the upkeep of our facilities & the significant costs
in maintaining our grounds. Please help us serve you by being
generous.
Last Week’s 2nd Collection
Religious Retirement Fund
Collected: $4,767
This Week We Need:
Budgeted: $16,000
Last Week’s Collection
Budgeted: $16,000
Collected: $16,628.24
December 8th 2nd Collection
Immaculate Conception
Collected: $1,879
December 24/25th Christmas Collection:
St. Francis Parish Ministries: Music
Our Sunday celebration is at the heart of our life as a
community of believers. One of the aspects of our Liturgy at
St. Francis is the outstanding music program. In addition to
coordinating quality music for all our Masses (19 in the
summer) with good cantors & keyboard musicians, Michele
Beck, our Music Coordinator, leads 3 inspirational choirs; the
Adult, Teen & Children's Choirs. Thank you for your support of
this very important part of our parish life.
Jim Scullion, ofm
Mass Schedule through March 21/22
St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach
9:00 AM Daily Mass
Reconciliation: 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 AM
St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City
CLOSED
St. Thomas Aquinas, Beach Haven
CLOSED
St. Clare, Loveladies
CLOSED
Wishing everyone a
Holy and Blessed Christmas.
I think about and pray for all of you often.
I do miss you all.
Love, Sr. Kate
Page 2 - December 21, 2014
Franciscan Spiritual Center
presents:
Spiritual Direction
Are you interested in a deeper relationship with God? Do you
experience a desire to pray always? Are you searching for a better
understanding of the actions of God’s grace in your life?
Spiritual Direction is not about problem solving. It is neither
counseling nor therapy. It is about enhancing one’s prayer life.
Directors help people recognize and respond to God’s will in their life
experiences. One Director summed up the process this way, “All I do
is listen. People already have a spiritual life; they are not starting
here. Often they need relief from the pressure that they are not doing
the right thing. I help them see the goodness in where they are on
their journey, not where they think they’re supposed to be.” God is
the real spiritual director.
The Diocese of Trenton has several training programs called an
internship. These are two or three year programs focusing on
deepening one’s own spiritual life and on learning the dynamics of
Spiritual Direction. Upon completion of the program a person
receives a Certificate from the Diocese.
Our parish has three certified Spiritual Directors and three interns.
During the internship period individuals give spiritual direction and
submit reports of the sessions for supervision.
There is no charge for Spiritual Direction. If you think this might
be a way for you to recognize God’s actions in your life please call:
Maryann Barrek, ofs, (609) 492-7502,
Barbara Horwath, ofs, (609) 384-6188,
Pat Simmons, ofs, (609) 661-1361.
Anne Bock, ofs, Intern, (609) 492-3015,
Sharon DeSipio, ofs, Intern, (609) 492-4690,
Kathy Egan, PhD, Retired Chaplain, (215) 694-4651.
Men’s Spirituality
The Men’s Spirituality group meets on the third Saturday of
each month from 8:30 to 10:00 AM in Room 212. We discuss
a broad variety of topics and share our views on how we can
see the hand of God at work in all things. All are welcome.
Next scheduled meeting: December 20, Room 212
Scripture Study
This group meets every two weeks to learn, discuss and reflect
on passages of the Sacred Scriptures. The group is led by
Tom Troyano and meets from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Center.
No prior experience of Scripture study is required.
Next scheduled meeting January 7, Sr. Lounge
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
“What Does It Mean To Be Catholic?”
“What Is Catholicism?”
a 2,000 year old living tradition?...a mystery?
...a relationship?...a way of life?...a world view?
We invite those who are Catholic, those who want to have your
questions answered, those who want to learn more about the
Catholic Faith, those who are preparing to celebrate the
sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, and
those who are seeking to continue to find God in the everyday
goodness of life to join with us as we continue to journey in
faith with God and one another.
The RCIA is a process that enables us to reflect on our
identity and our mission as people of God.
Classes meet on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in Room 212
unless otherwise noted.
There will be no classes December 23 and 30.
Next scheduled meeting: January 6.
All are welcome!
The JPIC Corner:
Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation
Who picks the food we eat?
•
There are an estimated 3 million farm workers in
the United States.
•
Over 50% of these farm workers lack official
documentation, which puts them at risk of abuse
and deportation.
•
85% of fruits and vegetables produced in the US
are picked by farm workers by hand.
•
The average farm worker makes only $11,000/yr.,
but the fruit & vegetable industry generates an
estimated $28 billion/yr.
"Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who
mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries
of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord
Almighty.” —James 5:4
Source: Franciscan Action Network
An Invitation to Contemplative Living
This program calls out to those who desire to live more
contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and
others, and to become more aware, intentional and free. God
liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative
prayer. Monthly sessions on the practice of contemplative
prayer are scheduled. This group meets from 9:45 AM to
12:00 PM in the Center.
Next scheduled meeting: January 10, Sr. Lounge
Presenter: Fr. Jim Scullion, ofm
Woman’s Spirituality
The Women’s Spirituality Group provides an opportunity for
women to gather and share with other women how they
experience God in their lives in the here and now. They meet
from September through November and January through June
on the second Wednesday from 6:45 to 8:00 PM in the Center.
Next scheduled meeting: January 14, Room 212
Saint Francis Music Department
Come join us on Christmas Eve
to celebrate the birthday of a king!
Wednesday, December 24
Saint Francis, Brant Beach Church
3:30 PM - Prelude music with the children's choir, teen choir
and chamber orchestra
4:00 PM - Christmas Eve Family Mass
6:00 PM - Prelude music with the teen choir, adult choir and
chamber orchestra
6:30 PM - Christmas Eve Mass
Merry Christmas
and blessings for a healthy and happy New Year!
Love, The St. Francis Music Ministry
Page 3 - December 21, 2014
Family Faith Formation
Monthly Meetings:
Theresa Cassata, ofs, Coordinator of FFF (Ext. 153)
Ellen Halvorsen, Elementary Coordinator (Ext. 150)
Marion Pierri, Confirmation Coordinator (Ext. 177)
St. Francis Center unless otherwise noted.
Volunteers Needed:
Substitute Catechists & Aides, Tuesday 5:30-6:45 PM and
Wednesday 4:30-5:45 PM.
Family Faith Formation Classes:
begin again Tuesday & Wednesday, January 6 & 7.
First Eucharist Date Requests:
accepted beginning Thursday, January 8 at 9:00 AM in the
Family Faith Formation office.
Scripture A (6th Grade)
Bible Encounter Screenings
If you missed some of the Bible Encounter sessions and would
like to view them so you can complete your workbook, you are
invited to attend the screenings which will be presented during
Christmas break:
Sessions 1-4 - Monday, December 29, 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Sessions 5-8 - Tuesday, December 30, 4:00 to 6:30 PM
Please RSVP to Marion Pierri at mpierri@stfrancislbi.org
or call 609-494-8813 ext. 177.
Diocese of Trenton Vocation Office
(609) 406-7449 - vocations@dioceseoftrenton.org
Is God Calling You?
Christmas Open House
Once again our Vocational discernment group will meet on the
last Sunday of December. The format of this gathering will be a
visit to the Diocesan House of Discernment where you will have
the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the priests and
some of our seminarians of the Diocese of Trenton.
If you are a faithful, single Roman Catholic man, between the
ages of 18 and 40, and are asking yourself whether God is
calling you to be a priest, you are cordially invited to attend this
month’s Open House Discernment meeting on December 28,
from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at The Church of the Sacred Heart
Rectory, 343 South Broad Street, Trenton, New Jersey 08608.
Join Very Rev. Dennis Apoldite and some of the men of the
House of Discernment, as they share their experiences of the
priesthood.
Please register with the Vocation Office at
vocations@dioceseoftrenton.org
or by calling (609) 406-7449.
Embrace Our Way of Life
THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF HOLY NAME
PROVINCE
Franciscan Vocation Ministry
Br. Basil Valente, OFM
129 West 31st Street, 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10001-3403
Order of the Franciscans Secular ofs
Sunday, January 4, 1:00 PM, Surf City Church
Social, Spiritual Life, Ongoing Formation, Business Meeting
Survivors of Suicide
Thursday, January 8, 7:30 PM, Room 212
Book Club
Tuesday, January 27, 1:00 PM, Room 212
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall
Knights of Columbus Council #3826
2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM
St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. Reinbold Hall - Barnegat
HELP WANTED
Substitute Aquatics Aerobics Instructor - Part Time
Call Mike Thompson at (609) 494-8861, ext. 105.
Volunteers - Human Concerns
Help fill refrigerators and freezers several mornings a
week. This task involves some heavy lifting.
Help pick up grocery items from local supermarket once per
week. This task involves heavy lifting and a pick up truck
or SUV/mini van type vehicle.
Please contact Volunteer Services at (609) 494-8861
ext. 118.
St. Francis Center is an EOE/AA Employer
St. Bonaventure University
Scholarship Opportunity
Attention High School Seniors:
The Franciscan Heritage Scholarship is a $5,000 grant
that is available to college students who are members of
our parish and attend St. Bonaventure University. The
scholarship is awarded annually and is co-funded by
Holy Name Province, St. Francis of Assisi Parish and
St. Bonaventure University.
If you are considering St. Bonaventure University in your
college search and are interested in learning more about
this scholarship or the University, please contact Skip
Carey, SBU Parent Volunteer Rep. at (609) 339-5337.
Page 4 - December 21, 2014
SPECIAL EVENTS
Men’s Cornerstone Retreat
Save the Date!
If you’ve never had the experience of the
Men’s Cornerstone Retreat
this could be the year for you to take a break from your
busy schedule and reconnect to what really matters.
11th Annual Super Plunge Sunday
February 1 - 1:00 PM
(Pre-Registration Required Before Plunging)
Download Registration or Sponsor Forms at
stfranciscenterlbi.org. Registration forms are also
available at the Center’s front desk or pool desk.
Friday, March 13, 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Saturday, March 14, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
St. Thomas Church, Surf City
Please contact Jim Mazzerina
For more information at
(609) 618-7683
Brochures are at the doors of the church.
All proceeds to benefit St. Francis Community Center and
Southern Regional High School Swim Teams.
Saturday, January 31 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM;
T-shirt/wristband pick-up and late registration
Sunday, February 1 - 10:00 to 12:00 PM;
T-shirt/wristband pick-up and late registration
1:00 PM – Plunge time – 48th Street beach
1:05 PM – Post Plunge Warm-up (St. Francis Gym)
Free refreshments.
Prizes awarded for oldest & youngest plunger,
best costume, most funds raised and more!
2015 Special Events
4th Annual
March Madness Free Throw
March 7, 2015
Fish & Chip Dinner
March 27, 2015
Family Promise of Southern Ocean County
(Helping homeless families with children)
Labyrinth Walk
Monday, February 2, 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, February 3, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall
The Labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation
that can become a mirror of the soul. It is a spiritual act
of pilgrimage, a metaphor of life’s journey. Choose a
day and treat yourself to some quiet time.
A finger Labyrinth is available for those
who are unable to walk the Labyrinth.
Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped with caring
for the families. We appreciate your help and concern for the
families who struggle with the reality of being homeless. We
welcome all who would like to help either by preparing a meal,
helping make beds, play games with the children or just visiting
with the families. We also need 2 adults to stay overnight each
night. We have the beds – please bring your sheets or sleeping
bags! Our next dates at Maris Stella Conference and Retreat
Center in Harvey Cedars will be:
Sunday, January 25 to Sunday, February 1
Sunday, February 22 to Sunday, March 1
Meals
Pat Juliano
(609) 978-2746
Evening volunteers
Overnight volunteers
from 6:00-8:00 PM
Connie Higgins
Chris Nachman
(609) 361-2158
(609) 4949-7385
Questions or information about Family Promise
Carole Infante, ofs (609) 978-0645
Thank you and God bless you all during this Holy Season!
Page 5 - December 21, 2014
Senior Services
Recreation & Aquatics
For information call ext. 108 or 109.
For information please call ext. 105. Visit the Fall/Winter
Brochure online at www.stfranciscenterlbi.org
or pick up a Brochure at the Center lobby.
Daily Reassurance Calls
Do you know of a senior who is isolated?
Senior Services makes daily reassurance calls to seniors who
have no one to check on them. Please call the Center and ask for
extension 108 to request that we call them.
Caregiver Support Group
Second Tuesday of every month, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Ocean County Southern Services Center
179 S. Main Street, Manahawkin, NJ.
Meals on Wheels
Volunteer Substitute Drivers needed for all routes! Call Sherry
today to sign up at (609) 494-8861, ext. 109.
Walking Program
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:00 - 8:45 AM in the Gym.
Ladies’ Exercise Class
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 to 10:30 AM
Room 99 - All are welcome to attend.
Volunteer Attorney
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
By appointment only for those who qualify.
Cards: Senior Lounge
Call if you have questions or wish to register.
Canasta: Monday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Mah Jongg: Tuesday & Friday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Pinochle: Wednesday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Party Bridge: Thursday, 12:30 - 4:00 PM
Session III Registration:
December 29, 9:00 AM
Aquatics:
January 5-February 20:
Deep Water Aerobics
Aquatic Aerobics
Arthritis Aquatic Exercise
January 10-February 21:
Water Tots (Ages 1-4)
Beginners (Ages 4 & Up)
Intermediate (Ages 6 & Up)
Competitive Swim (Ages 8 & Up)
Private Swim Lessons:
$25 per half hour
Semi-Private Swim Lessons:
$20 per person per half hour
Daily Guest Fees:
$10 per person
Book of 5 Passes: $45
Book of 10 passes: $80
Great Christmas Gift!
Recreation:
January 7-February 4: Tot & Tyke Basketball
Private Basketball Lessons with Dick Manzo
Educational Services
(609) 494-8861 ext. 185
www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support
Southern Regional High School
600 North Main St., Manahawkin, NJ
NJ High School Diploma Preparation Classes
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.)
ESL Classes
Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.)
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00 - 9:00 PM (9/10 Bldg.)
(Free LIMITED transportation will be provided)
All classes are FREE to the community.
Additional Classes are located throughout Ocean County.
Please call for more information at (609) 494-8861 ext. 185 or
www.stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support to locate a
class near you.
Appointments made through the Recreation Department at
(609) 494-8861 ext. 105
Personal Training with Joe Perrine
APFA Certified Personal Trainer
Develop and implement an individualized approach to exercise
and health. Workouts may include muscular strength, muscular
endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body
composition. Other components such as speed, power, balance,
etc. may also be addressed. Appointments made through the
Recreation Department at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105.
Private Baseball Lessons with Tom Natoli
SRHS Boys Varsity Baseball Head Coach
Appointments made through the Recreation Department
at (609) 494-8861 ext. 105.
Pickelball is Here!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
12:30-3:00 PM
in the Gymnasium
Page 6 - December 21, 2014
Family Support Services
Human Concerns and the Food Pantry
are closed on Thursdays.
Human Concerns new hours are: Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
The Food Pantry currently needs:
Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Soup,
Laundry Detergent, Soap,
Any Size Diapers, & Baby Wipes
Children’s Services
St. Francis Preschool is an accredited program from the
National Association for the Education of Young Children.
NAEYC-Accredited programs must meet NAEYC’s 10 standards
for high-quality early childhood education. For more information
about NAEYC standards visit: www.rightchoiceforkids.org.
CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Open Enrollment! Full Day, Work Day or Extended Day
Toddlers: Ages 14 months to 2 1/2
Preschoolers: Ages 2 1/2 to 5
Parenting and Anger Management Groups
St. Francis Community Center. Locations throughout Ocean
County. To register, please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 194.
Funded by the Department of Human Services.
Auto Ownership Program
Please consider donating your old car (in fair to good condition)
to St. Francis’ auto ownership program. We are in need of
donated cars to assist clients to make the transition from welfare
to work.
For more information on a tax-deductible donation please call:
Auto Ownership Program Coordinator (609) 494-8861 ext. 190.
Blissful Babies
Family Support Services would like to introduce:
"Blissful Babies"
Please continue collecting
Campbell's Soup Can Labels
Did you know that in addition to collecting labels from
cans and boxes you can also register your ShopRite card online?
Any Labels for Education product purchases that you make, we
will automatically receive 1 point for each product. Only residents
of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or
Massachusetts are eligible to participate. To register your
ShopRite card(s) go to www.elabelsforeducation.com. The
following information is needed: Saint Francis Preschool, Beach
Haven, New Jersey, 08008. Please share this information with a
friend. More than one school can be registered on a card. This
will help us in purchasing equipment and materials for Children’s
Services.
Collection containers are located in the lobby of St. Francis Center
and Children’s Services hallway. For an updated list of products
please visit: www.labelsforeducation.com or pick up a copy in the
front lobby of the Center. Thank you for your continued support!
When cutting your labels please only cut the UPC and the points
value. See the pictures below:
a 5 week group session that provides guidance on the
communication of touch with parent and baby. This
you for your continual support! As of March 2014 we have
process will be modeled by instructors who have completed Thank
collected 3662 points!
Part 1 in their training with Infant Massage USA.
Training will provide parents with specific, proven infant
massage techniques to promote: bonding and attachment,
healthy sleeping, relaxation for baby and parent and reduce
symptoms associated with colic and gas.
St. Francis Counseling Service
Please call to register for our next available group or inquire (609) 494-1554 - www.stfranciscenterlbi.org
about future group schedules at (609) 494-8861 ext. 197.
Become a Volunteer!
Make a Tax Deductible Gift
Make a Gift to St. Francis Church
or LBICC, Inc.
If you are planning your will and/or estate
and would like to make a gift to St. Francis Church
or LBICC, Inc., please contact
Connie Becraft, Executive Director at
cbecraft@stfrancislbi.org
or (609) 494-8861 ext. 162 for more information.
St. Francis Counseling Service is looking for volunteers
for our Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate training
program beginning January 5th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
every Monday for 12 weeks at Toms River H.S. South.
If you or someone you know is interested in giving
your time to support survivors of sexual violence in
Ocean County, please call (609) 494-1554 or email:
Erin Borysewicz, Outreach Coordinator,
e.borysewicz@stfrancislbi.org. Applications can be
found online at: www.stfranciscenterlbi.org.
Page 7 - December 21, 2014
St. Francis Travel
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Call Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100
Email: hometowntravel@comcast.net
All Saints Regional Catholic School
Cruises
Celebrity Eclipse Trans Atlantic Cruise
April 20 - May 7, 2015
400 Doc Cramer Blvd., Manahawkin, NJ, 08050
(609) 597-3800 or visit www.asrcs.org.
St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS
INVEST IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE
Faith based and quality programs through eighth grade.
Document night, April 7, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Sr. Lounge
Emerald Waterways River Cruise
Prague to Budapest
September 23, 2015
Sightseeing Trips
Sordevolo’s Passion Play
September 13 - 22, 2015
Itinerary: two nights Rome, two nights Assisi, one night Padua,
two nights Biella and one night Milan. See the play and the Last
Supper. Visit the church/museum where the Shroud of Turin is
vaulted. (You will see a replica and video but you will not see the
original.) A $100 per person (fully refundable once price is
confirmed) deposit is required.
For information on any of the above trips, please call
Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100.
OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, January 27
(snow date Tuesday, February 3)
There will be two sessions:
morning session is from 9:30 - 11:00 AM
evening session will run from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Parents will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, tour the
facility and learn about the school’s philosophy, curriculum and
the many special programs offered.
Donovan Catholic
(732) 349-8801
SJHS/MDHS
13TH Annual Griffin Alumni
Christmas Party
At the Beachcomber
Friday, December 26, 8:30 PM
$20.00 per person at the door (limited open bar & light buffet)
21 & over
Reach out to classmates, spread the word, bring along family
& friends. For additional information contact:
Erin: (732) 349-8801 ext. 2433,
elesperance@donovancatholic.org.
Music by Ballyhaunis Classic Rock Band
St. Mary’s Perpetual Adoration—Volunteers Needed
Weekly Meetings Always open to everyone!
Al Anon
St. Francis Center
Beginners Meeting, Thursday, 7:00-7:30 PM
Open Discussion, Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM
Al-Anon is a fellowship of family members and friends of
alcohol/drug abusers, who share their experience, strength and
hope with one another.
Alcoholics Anonymous
SOMC, Sunday, 7:30 PM
Lights Off, Sunday, 9:00-10:30 AM
St. Francis Center, Room 116
St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City
Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM
Friday (men), 8:00 PM
For Saturday Meetings:
Call the AA Hotline (609) 494-5130
St. Mary’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel is located behind the
church in Barnegat. Volunteers are assigned to cover the
Chapel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These adorers offer
one
hour a week,
however everyone
is welcome
visit with
Weekly
Meetings
Always
open totoeveryone!
the Lord at any time. New adorers are always welcomed,
as each hour must have an assigned adorer. Contact Joann
Kaczala, (609) 698-6168.
Cultural Competency Statement
The St. Francis Center recognizes a culturally diverse
community and makes a commitment to the principles of
multiculturalism as a means of understanding, accepting,
valuing, and supporting cultural diversity. The term
Multicultural is applied broadly to include issues of minority
or marginalized status as it relates to race, ethnicity, culture,
socioeconomic status, use of English as a second language,
gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, spirituality,
and the elderly. The St. Francis Center proposes to develop
programs and practices that assist staff, board members, and
volunteers to recognize, accept, and affirm differences and
similarities among people and provide services that are
supportive and inclusive of all members of the community.
Page 8 - December 21, 2014