Dear Friends,

Was it too much to ask? Was it too much to expect? Too much to hope for? All

that I wanted was for somebody to lift me up. There we were, in Saint Peter’s

Square, on that Wednesday morning, the second day of our parish pilgrimage. It

was raining and shining and then raining some more and then shining again. But

none of that mattered once HE appeared. Pope Francis. He was standing in his

open-air pope-mobile, going up and down and round and about the square. Our

tour manager had done a real good job: she had led us to a block of seats in a

corner, where the Pope would ride by once one way and then—a little later, in

another direction—do a second drive-by. Cameras were ready and so were we.

The Pope looked ready too.

Maybe I should’ve opened my mouth and said something to someone. Maybe it was

wrong of me to expect them to read my mind. I just figured they’d know. I mean, all I

wanted was for somebody to lift me up. All I wanted was for somebody to turn around

and pick me up, a little like all those babies and little kids you see all the time on

televison. All I wanted was for somebody to hand me to the Pope and for Francis to hug me or

rock me or maybe kiss me on the forehead or something like that. Just like in the movies

.

All I wanted was to be lifted up.

But the Pope passed us by and I stayed on the ground. Maybe he hugged some other middle-aged

bald priest. Or more likely one of those too-cute babies or some sick kid. I guess even the Pope

plays favorites.

It was a real good thing that our next stop after Rome was Assisi. It was just what the

doctor ordered: two wonderful days in the home town of that great friend of God who

wanted to be nothing more than the littlest and the least. In immitation of his and our

Lord and Savior, who “came down” to us and made himself so “small,” Francis let go

of everything. Far from wanting to be “lifted up,” Saint Francis dove for the

bottom—seeking and serving the sickest and the poorest and the neediest.

Saint Francis knew. Pope Francis understands. The way to God is not “up” but

down. When we are close to the needy—even when we ourselves are at our

neediest—we are closest to that child who came down “with nothing” and was laid in

that manger, beneath that star of wonder, on that silent, holy night.

May our poor, lowly, newborn Lord give you peace this Christmas. That’s our

prayer for you.

Love,

Fr.Colin

Worship…Called and formed by the Word of God, we

worship our Lord primarily in the Mass. The Eucharist is

the center of our Christian life. It grounds everything else

we do, from prayer to our daily tasks to our ministries. If you

have any comments, please feel free to contact any of the

following Pastoral Council Representatives: Fr. Colin

Kay, Deacon Rich McGarry and Michael Kohler.

Pray for the recovery of: Sister Colum O’Connor, Donald Kazazian, Sarah Ferrari, Bill Hennig, Emily Rao, John Rao, Carol Verbovsky, Kenneth Bodzak, Janice Ward, Carol Crosson, Anne Llewellyn, Amy Joosten Butler, Les Wolf, Caden Zane, Jill Freitag Zane, Henry Karlewicz, Reynaldo Carlos, Gary Beal, William Carafello, Vickie DePadova, Richard Greene, Ella Sayers, Sr. Susan Neisen, Diana Lambouras, Thomas Brown, Marianne Cummins, Gianna Miller, Mary Ann Cavana, Dolores DiTolla, Fr. Peter Funesti, Nicole Schepps, Baby Mackenzie Paulhus, John Falcone, Elise Bord, Vicki Purpura, Anna DiPasquale, Tom Bacigalupo, Liz Morano, Baby Regan Doyle, Sierra Bures, Raymond Hofmeister, John Cooney, Marion Morris, Msgr. Joseph Slinger, Jayden J. Miranda, Brenda Reef, Mary Garripoli, Kenneth Michael Bodzak, Kelly Ann Ross, Ann Healy, Samuel Gardinerclarke, Kay McAteer, Frank DiGiaimo Jr., Michael T., Baby Joseph DiBello, Mildred Adamo, Lenora Mosca, Patricia Salvi, Aliysha Malone, Harriett Fochi, Peter Mastrangelo, Olga Marino, Phyllis Veli, Nicholas Brancato, Tyler Dixon, Bob Wilson, Richard DeLorenzo, Brandon Patory, Alice Giegler, Baby Bentley Powell, Ruth Rizzo, Patrice Foster, Gertrude Mahon, Sean Cox, Ken Lisa, Kevin Considine, Helen Gregorek, Baby Kaedon Ross, Glenn Endresz, Sarah Wilder, Krista Jentzsch, Patricia Hinchliffe, Helen Krajacic, Betsy Mahon, Robert O’Byrne, Andrew D’Amico Sr., Anthony Frank, Janet Blumka, Anna Coletti, Baby Gavin Marshall, Patricia Castiglia, Linda DeLorenzo, Jean Conerly, Frances Vargo, Ruth Corsi, Gary Beck, Rick Owen, Jeannie Girovasi, Natasha Santana, and Jay Paolella.

†Pray for the happy repose of † Jospehine Brennan, Mark Zenzer & Dolores DiTolla

The Bread and Wine will be offered this week in loving memory of Lee Pensec, as requested by his loving family.

The Altar Candles will burn this week in loving memory of Lee Pensec, as requested by his loving family.

The Sanctuary Lamp will burn this week in

loving memory of William Fowler as requested by his wife.

Monday, December 22

nd

7:30 – Holy Souls Sarah Ferrari (Living) – Family Frank Ryan – Mark & John 8:45 – Perry & Josie Marinelli – Son, Anthony John Croker – Elena Danny Sullivan - Peggy

Tuesday, December 23rd

7:30 – Augustin Astudillo (Living) – Marie Sarah Ferrari (Living) – Family Joe – DePadova Family 8:45 – Sam Hansen – Vittoria & Anthony Steven Amato – Barbara Michael Setteducator - Family

Wednesday, December 24th

- Christmas Eve 8:45 – William Fowler – Wife, Kitty Frances Julia Hlava – Family Warren Harris – Wife, Dorothy 4:00 – People of 6:00 – Saint Anne 10:00 - Parish

Thursday, December 25th

- Christmas 8:00 - People of 10:00 - Saint Anne 12:00 - Parish

Friday, December 26th

8:45 – John R. Callahan – Family Edward Niemiec – Family Irene Cesar – Niemiec Family

Saturday, December 27th

8:45 – Fernando & Annie Arnesto (Living) “35

th Wedding Anniv.” – Arnesto Family

Kevin Dalton – Family Robert Sautner – Wife & Family 5:15 – Modesto & Anna Panaro – Mary & Joanne The Pertuso Family – Mary & Joanne Annette Mannen & Marian Aslan – Family Tony Lalama & Emma DellaSala - Family

Sunday, December 28th

7:30 – John & Ann Zboray – Son Lester Wolf – King Family Damian Ret Jr. – Nieves Ret 9:30 – Frances & Stephen Rosty – Family Philip Mortell – Barbara Bender Deborah DiMauro – Anne Acovino Holland/McCarthy Families – Joan & Dan 11:30– Michael Burke – Burke Family Albert Canger – Family Ernest Keahey – Anthony & Vittoria Marinelli Maureen Fallon – Philip Buckley 6:00 pm – People of St. Anne Parish

Let us pray for those in our armed forces

especially for: Pvt. 1st Cl Brandon Loaize, Army

Natl. Guard; Pvt. John Pagios, US Army; Pvt.

Kristoffer Burger, US Army; Pvt. Kyle Milnes, US

Army; PO 2nd

Cl Jimmy Guerra, US Navy, PO 2nd

Cl Nicholas J. Vanni, US Navy; Major Gregory

Sugalski, US Army; MM3 Nicholas J. Magarelli,

USN, LCPL Thomas Herbst; Master Sgt. Michael

VanPamel, USAF; Sgt. Michael Bourke, US Army;

PFC Lindsay Newarski, US Army; PFC Jason

Dawson, US Army; Airman 2nd

Cl. Matthew Bauer,

USAF; Brandon Motto, USMC; Lt. Marc Sabatino,

USN; LCPL Storm Odom, USMC; Airman Michael

Diffin, USAF; Sgt Major Joseph R. Lobban, US

Army; CPL Justin Scales, USMC; LCPL Dominick

Rizzo, USMC; PFC Jonathan C. Sulinski, Warrant

Officer Alan Harty, US Army; Sgt. Bert J. Frullo,

US Army; LCPL. Harrison James Bruining, USMC;

LCPL Steven D’Argenio, USMC; Capt. Kip Rainey;

SP4 Monica Saucier, US Army; Spec. 4 Brian

Tarantino, US Army; PO 1st Cl. Mike Tarantino,

USN; Lt. Col. Marshall Denney; Lance Corp.

Marshall Denney IV; EO2 Michael Yondolino,

USN; Col. Patrick Frank; Capt. Daniel Curtin, US

Army; Capt. Erik Mineo, US Army; Corporal

Joseph Sullivan, SMC; A1C Richard Baldassari,

USAF; Capt. Donald Pump, USMC; and all those

serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

ALTERNATIVE TO ABORTION If you know

someone who is considering having an abortion, here is a number that they might call that could be of help to them to consider an alternative to this practice. The number is 1-800-395-HELP (4357).

During December, Pope Francis asks us to pray that parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith. HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

This holiday season, there will be a number of changes to the office hours here at the Rectory. This applies to times that the front desk is staffed for Mass cards, info., etc. Priests are always available for emergencies, and can be reached by calling the Rectory number (201-791-1616). Wed., Dec. 24th thru Fri., Dec. 26th – CLOSED Wed., Dec. 31st & Thurs., Jan. 1st - CLOSED

MEDITATION Annunciation Denise Levertov

She had been a child who played, ate, slept

like any other child – but unlike others,

wept only for pity, laughed

in joy, not triumph.

Compassion and intelligence

fused in her, indivisible.

Called to a destiny more momentous

than any time in all of Time,

she did not quail,

only asked

a simple, How can this be? ’

and gravely, courteously,

took to heart the angel’s reply,

perceived instantly

the astounding mystery she was offered:

to bear in her womb

Infinite weight and lightness; to carry

In hidden, infinite inwardness,

nine months of Eternity; to contain

in slender vase of being,

the sum of power –

in narrow flesh,

the sum of light.

Then bring to birth,

push into air, a Man-child

needing like any other,

milk and love-

but who was God.

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS

4th Sunday of Advent

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – LUKE 1:28

Faith is a gift from God. During this

Christmas season take time in silence and

pray to God. Thank Him for all the gifts He

has given you. Try to set aside any anger or

resentment you have and really open your

heart to receive the gift of God’s grace.

BACK TO OUR ROOTS WILL NOT BE MEETING AGAIN

UNTIL THURSDAY, JANUARY 8TH

!!

Come discuss Sunday’s Gospel!!

Word… St. Anne’s is a family of faith formed by the Word of God, especially as this is expressed in the person of Christ, in the

Scriptures, and in the Tradition of the Church. As we hear this word and take it more and more deeply into our lives, we

become ever more truly the People of God.

If you have any comments, please feel free to contact any of the following Pastoral Council Representatives:

Donna Stickna, John Hill, Carmie DeMerchant, Melissa Rovetto-Ruffner & Marianne Cummins

SAINT ANNE SCHOOL NEWS

From our St. Anne School family to yours, peace and joy this Christmas season! School will be closed from December 24th until January 4th. Classes resume January 5, 2015.

St. Anne School is on Twitter!!! Follow us …. @StAnneFairLawn or visit us at www.stannenj.com

FAITH FORMATION NEWS

RECONCILIATION PREP - Completed Reconciliation books are overdue!! Please return the completed books to the Faith Formation Office now.

CONFIRMATION - The next Confirmation session is Sunday, January 4 in the school, beginning at 7pm. Bring your “Send Out Your Spirit” books and a pen/pencil.

SUNDAY/TUESDAY FAITH Sunday classes are in session 12/21; NO classes 12/28; classes resume ¼ Tuesday classes DO NOT meet 12/23 & 12/30; classes resume 1/6. HOME STUDY Home Study I & II meet on the following dates in the CHURCH HALL:

Home Study I: Wednesday, January 7

Home Study II: Wednesday, January 14 Both sessions are 7-8:30p, and both are held in the CHURCH HALL. Grades 1-5: please bring chapter reviews for chapters 8-12 (first/last name on each page, stapled). Grade 6: complete online chapter reviews for chapters 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 (submit at least 1 week prior to session).

SUMMER FAITH RETURN SESSIONS Summer Faith families who will be attending the Epiphany session have been emailed. The Summer Faith Epiphany Family session is Saturday, January 10 from 3:30-5pm in the Church Hall.

NEW HOPE, INC. - Thanks and blessings to all during this sacred season of Christmas. Your compassion and

support means that we can help women choose life for their precious babies. We work with our moms for three years, mentoring them and motivating them. We hope that you can play a part in their lives in 2015! All talents accepted! Contact: Carol at 201 391-6431 or 201 408-4726. newhopeinc@verizon.net or www.newhope4lifweb.org

Are you a stay-at-home mom or dad of children age 5 and under? Or perhaps you care for your grandchildren during the week?

If so, come join us for a weekly Play Group which meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 am for about an hour. Our next Play Group will be this Wednesday,January 7th at 9:30 am in the Church Hall. For more info, please email Meghan at meghan.lobue@gmail.com

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD!

Our parish Advent Penance Celebration will take place on Monday,

December 22ND

. There will be two services: at 1 o'clock in the afternoon

and again at 7:30 in the evening.

Come and prepare your hearts for the coming of our Lord!

ANGEL BREAD!

Many families observe the centuries-old home tradition of OPLATKI, which means “angel bread.” These wafers are broken and shared among the members of the family as a sign of love and unity. Envelopes of Christmas Oplatki are available in the rectory.

ST. CAJETAN MINISTRY

Our job seekers need encouragement, hope, and strength and helpful advice about networking tips, attitude,

resumes, cover letters, interview skills, and how they should stay positive in their job searches. We meet every

two weeks. If you know of someone who is out of work tell them about the St Cajetan Ministry Network

Meetings. We meet every two weeks at two locations: At St Catharine in Glen Rock the next meeting will be on

on Thurs. evening Jan. 8th at 7PM-9PM at their Ministry Center and at St Anne Faith Center the next meeting

will be on Dec. 27th from 10AM-12Noon. .

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS TREE

The Children’s Christmas tree is located by the St. Anthony shrine.

Instead of presents, we ask that you place canned goods under the tree.

Instead of ornaments, we ask that you hang small kitchen items such as spoons,

can openers, or whisks.

Family photos or colored cut-outs can also be hung.

These items will be distributed to food pantry clients.

Please use your imagination, get creative & celebrate our Lord's birth.

the praypen the launch pad

sundays 9:30 adult volunteers needed

contact Joan Piela 201–773-8802

joanpiela@yahoo.com

Service… Impelled by the Spirit of Jesus, St. Anne’s strives to reach out to others. In works on behalf of justice, charity, and human

development, we seek to imitate Jesus in bringing glad tidings to the poor, liberty to the oppressed and captives, and healing to

the blind and the sick. If you have any comments, please feel free to contact any of the following Representatives: Fr. Joe, Fr.

Colin, or Lenora Mosca

FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN CONCERNS

The time has come to say….. THANKS TO ALL!!

You have no idea how many people you have touched with your glorious gifts that are filled with

joy and love.

Our team of workers are the best elves…selfless with the amount of time and energy they have

donated. Their dedication to making sure that the right gifts went into the correct families’ very

large black bags, is unsurpassed. That is a chore that sounds simple, but it really is not an easy

task.

Thanks again and God bless you all. Have a blessed Christmas and healthy New Year!

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: peas, corn, green beans, mixed vegetables, canned beans, coffee, tuna, pasta,

pasta sauce, soup, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, mac & cheese, rice, powdered milk in packets, cookies, pancake

mix, syrup, cake mix, frosting, jello, canned fruit, face soap, tissues, and toilet paper. You can drop food off

anytime at the rectory. Reminder: Coupons needed please! (Whole pages…do not cut!)

“A Christian, if he is not a revolutionary, in this time, he is not a Christian.” Pope Francis

UPrising

Saint Anne High School Youth Group digging deep and rising above, with Christ who raises us up

FOLLOW THE upRISING ON TWITTER

@father_colin

Community… Formed by the Word and by the Eucharist, St.

Anne’s builds community in the ways that we live and

work and celebrate together. In these ways, we

experience the living presence of Christ.

If you have any comments, please feel free to contact

any of the following Pastoral Council

Representatives: Junie Fuertes, Peggy Long,

Eamon Jennings, Danielle Douglass, Stephanie

Kedersha, Joe Barone and Terence Curley

EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday, December 21st Faith Formation – 10:45 am – 12:00 pm – SCH Cheerleaders – 1:00 – 5:00 pm - CH Monday, December 22nd

Penance Service – 1:00 & 7:30 pm - C AA – 7:30 pm – LCR Contemporary Choir – C Tuesday, December 23rd Wednesday, December 24th

Thursday, December 25th – Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 26th

Saturday, December 27th

AA – 7:30 – 8:30 pm – CAF

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED…. On Friday, January 2

nd volunteers are

needed to help prepare and serve dinner at the Homeless Shelter in Hackensack. This is a great family/community service project! Please contact Cathy or Tom Tyls at 201-796-8522 if you are interested in helping out.

ADULT MALE SEEKING STUDIO OR ONE BEDROOM APT. IN FAIR LAWN, SADDLE BROOK OR ELMWOOD PARK. Call Fran 973-445-8668.

2014 ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Monday, December 22ND Advent Penance Service

1:00 pm and 7:30 pm Wednesday, December 24th

4:00 pm - Christmas Vigil 6:00 pm – Children’s Mass Solemn Mass at 10:00 pm Thursday, December 25th

Christmas Day 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 Noon

Wednesday, December 31st

Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 5:15 pm

Thursday, January 1st Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

8:00 am and 10:00 am

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY WITH THE ALAN QUINN 5 PC ORCHESTRA AT

ST. ANN’S KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

When: December 31, 2014 8pm – 1am

Cost: $65 per person Includes: Open bar, 5 course buffet dinner,

continental breakfast, music, dancing & more Where: Knights of Columbus Hall 16-16 Maple Ave, Fair Lawn

Deadline: Reserve your seat by Dec. 23rd Contact: Frank Sylvester 201-966-5433 or 201-797-9785

Please make checks payable to St. Ann’s K of C #2853. No Refunds…No Walk Ins!

Finance/Administration… A Christian community strives to steward its resources so that they can provide the material by which its various

ministries can reflect the parish’s mission to reflect Christ’s presence in all that we do and say. Finance Committee

Members: Ed Hughes, Bill Ball, Sally Quinn, Sheila Abate, Ed Trawinski, Loretta Stachiotti, Kristie Bednarz,

Karen Gillies, Steve Palermo and Jerry Cunningham.

Buildings/Grounds: Carl Shoemaker, Dave Lee, Kate Humble, and Steve Zmuda.

We are grateful to the 1,442 people who worshipped with us last weekend and contributed $12,491.00 in the offertory and $1,670.00 through Online Giving offertory, which along with

other fees and donations, totaled $18,152.00. Our weekly expenses average out to $20,253.50.

Heating & Air Conditioning ~ Everyone knows that there are some months in which our electricity bill or heating bill is higher than

others. Well, it’s the same with the Church. As you know, we use an additional way of paying for our extra

energy months. In the back of the church each Sunday you will find separate ENERGY envelopes. If you

should happen to hit the jackpot that week, and wish to throw a dollar or two in that envelope, we’d greatly

appreciate it! You can throw these special envelopes right in the collection with your regular envelope. The

energy envelopes will not be mailed to you. They will simply be in the back of the church, so if you don’t spot

them, be sure to ask the ushers at your Mass. Thanks so much. And special thanks to those who have

already been doing it regularly. It makes a difference!!!

Online Giving…

You have the opportunity to make donations to our Sunday collection online! To sign up, go to the St. Anne website – www.stannefairlawnnj.org

There are several ways to access the system:

1. Underneath the scrolling slideshow on the home page, on the bottom right-hand corner, you will see a

light blue icon with a $ sign. Click that icon to go directly to the system.

OR 2. From the homepage, check the left-hand menu options. The second to last menu option says

“envelopes & online giving.” Click that link, and a page with various giving options will appear. Select

the Online Giving option to be taken directly to the system.

Once you are taken to the new site, click on the section that says Create New Account. Next you will see New User Account Registration. Fill out the form and click “submit.”

When you are enrolled, you can go into Manage My Account, where you will see My Payment Methods.

Here you can choose to have the funds deducted from your checking or bank account (you will need your routing and account numbers on hand). Under Manage My Account, you will also see Give a New Gift. There

you will decide when and how much to give. (In the list, Offertory Collection means the Sunday collection.) You can select recurring or one time gifts. You also have the option to access all the other special envelopes you would normally find in your envelope packet and which are generally one-time donations.

Each time you go to Mass, get a card that says “I have made my donation online” and put it in the collection when the usher comes around. Thanks so much for giving online!