July 1, 2018 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JAMES As I write this column, I sit at my desk in Laurence Harbor recalling the first bulletin column I wrote while sitting at my desk in Belvidere preparing to move to Laurence Harbor. That was just a few months ago in March. In that column I wrote about things I would be leaving behind and would miss when I moved to Laurence Harbor. These included my vegetable garden, trout fishing, golf on golf courses that are not very crowded (because I am far from being a proficient golfer and, out in Warren County, I didn’t have to worry about holding up the foursome behind me), and my woodworking shop in which I enjoy many and various projects. Most of all, I wrote that I would miss leaving behind the good people whom I had served for so long and whom I hold so dear! Now that I am leaving Laurence Harbor for High Bridge, after serving there as temporary administrator for three months, I wrote in my final bulletin column for the people of Laurence Harbor the following: My woodworking shop is still in Phillipsburg, but will now be moved to High Bridge where there happens to be an ideal spot for it. There is a trout-stocked stream that runs right through the Town of High Bridge. Just outside of town is the Spruce Run Reservoir. In town is a municipal golf course, only about ½ mile from the rectory. There is a perfect place right in the back yard of the rectory for my vegetable garden; and as a matter of fact, Deacon Tom at St. Joseph’s has already offered the use of his pick-up truck to bring in a load of compost for the garden. Indeed, everything I’ve left behind and missed is right there, awaiting my return. What I’ll miss in Laurence Harbor are the walks I enjoyed taking along the water front of the Raritan Bay, the fresh fish from the Keyport Fishery, just south of Laurence Harbor and, most of all, the good people who made me feel so welcome and at home. In coming to St. Joseph’s, I certainly do look forward to all of the hobbies and occupations that I enjoy. Far more importantly though, I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of the good people of St. Joseph’s Parish as we journey together along the Way that leads to the joys of everlasting life! Your Servant in Christ,

Father James (Administrator)

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Saturday/Sunday, June 30/July 1 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 p.m. John Kertesz 8 a.m. People of the Parish 9:30 a.m. Linda Hotchkiss 11 a.m. People of the Parish Monday, July 2 7 p.m. People of the Parish Tuesday, July 3 7 p.m. People of the Parish Wednesday, July 4 9 a.m. People of the Parish Thursday, July 5 9 a.m. People of the Parish Saturday/Sunday, July 7/8 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5 p.m. James Burns 8 a.m. Joan Shepard 9:30 a.m. People of the Parish 11 a.m. People of the Parish

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES Monday, July 2 ARS Recitation of the Rosary (after 7 p.m. mass) Church Wednesday, July 4 Rectory Office Closed Sunday, July 8 Holy Name Society (8:45 a.m.) Rectory

13TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

“…as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality.” 2 CORINTHIANS 8:14. We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of those around us. It is important that we not only grow, nurture and share our gifts; but that we also teach our children and encourage others to do the same. This is the communal aspect of our Catholic faith. We are the “Body of Christ”. We are called to be dependent on each other and not live in isolation.

July 1, 2018 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

THE GIFT OF OUR TREASURE Offertory Collection for 6/17/18: $3,842.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Am 2:6-10, 13-16; Mt 8:18-22 Tuesday: Eph 2:19-22; Jn 20:24-29 Wednesday: Am 5:14-15, 21-24; Mt 8:28-34 Thursday: Am 7:10-17; Mt 9:1-8 Friday: Am 8:4-6, 9-12; Mt 9:9-13 Saturday: Am 9:11-15; Mt 9:14-17

NEXT WEEKEND’S SCRIPTURE READINGS

14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5 Ezekiel is moved to respond to the call of God and to accentuate his teaching with a direct reference to the Word of God. Second Reading: II Corinthians 12:7-10 Paul had questioned the value of his suffering, and God replied, “My grace is enough for you, for strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul then realized that although he was weak against persecution, he was strong in faith. Gospel: Mark 6:1-6a Jesus could do little for those in his own part of the country, for their lack of faith in him was so great. Therefore, he spent much of his time teaching in neighboring villages instead.

PARISH AND DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES

The 17th weekly winner of the K-Club was Wayne Lloyd. For enrollment

forms for new members and for information about the K-Club, visit www.kofc10627.org/k-club.html. PRAY THE ROSARY All parishioners are invited to join the Altar Rosary Society to pray the Rosary on Monday, July 2 after the 7 p.m. mass in the Church. THE RECTORY OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED on July 4th for Independence Day.

PARISH AND DIOCESAN ACTIVITIES

PARISH CALENDAR During the summer months of July and August, the parish calendar will not be published as an insert to the bulletin. Please check our website

at www.sjchb.org for scheduling information. If you have any questions, please contact Fran Rapp on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. PRAYER CHAIN is in need of more members to give spiritual help to those facing challenges in their life. Prayer Stewards are asked to commit to 10 minutes a day in prayer in the privacy of their home at whatever time is convenient. What better way to help the parishioners of your Church with a minimum amount of time commitment. Call Fran Rapp, Coordinator, at 908-638-6211, Ext. 19 or at sjchbfm@comcast.net. Please consider joining such a meaningful ministry. VAN SYCKLE PARKING The parking lot located behind the red brick building across Van Syckle Street, where Dr. Orlans is now located, is PRIVATE parking for tenants of that building. We have had an agreement with the owner of the building for many years allowing us to park on Saturday night and Sunday. However, the dentist now needs the available parking for his use. Parishioners should NOT park in that lot during the week. The agreement we have for weekend parking will TERMINATE in November. After November, parking will NOT be allowed in that lot at any time. Please be considerate of this agreement. Currently, only weekend parking, PLEASE! At this time parking is still available for us to use behind the ‘old’ Borough Hall/Library. Contact Fran Rapp for any additional information at 908-638-6211, extension 19.

MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED ON JULY 4TH AT 9 A.M.