MASS SCHEDULE

Saturday: 7:00 & 8:00 AM 5:00 PM - Vigil Mass

Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM (Italian) 12:30 PM - Family Mass 7:00 PM (Portuguese)

Weekdays: 7:00 & 8:00 AM Holy Days: 6:30, 8:00, 10:00 AM & 7:30 PM

Other Services & Activities: Mon to Sat: 7:40 AM Morning Prayer Tuesday: 9:00 AM - Legion of Mary 7:30 PM - St. Padre Pio Mass (1/9) 7:30 PM - Holy Rosary Society (2/20) 8:00 PM - Holy Rosary (Portuguese) Wednesday: 7:00 PM - Holy Rosary (Italian) Thursday: 6:15 to 7:15 PM - Holy Hour Adoration for Vocations (Dec 28, Jan 11, 18, 25) 7:30 PM - Bible Study (English) 8:30 PM - Rosary by Braz. Men Friday: 8:30 PM - Brazilian Prayer Group 1st Friday: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM - Blessed Sacrament Adoration (1/5/2018) Saturday: UNUM single adults 30+ (1/20)

Served by the Vocationist Fathers Fr. Christogonus (Chris) Iwunze, S.D.V., Pastor Fr. Roberto da Silva, S.D.V., Parochial Vicar Fr. Louis Caputo, S.D.V.,Weekend Assistant Br. Thomas La Russa, S.D.V., D.R.E.

Church & Rectory 442 E Brinkerhoff Ave Palisades Park, NJ 07650 Tel. 201-944-1154 Fax. 201-944-9510 Email. stnicholas07650@live.com Website. www.stnicholasrcchurch.org

Office Hours Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Mornings by appointment only)

ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS Baptisms: On any available Sunday during the 11:00 AM (Italian), 9:30 AM or 12:30 PM (English) & 7:00 PM (Portuguese) Masses. Please, contact the rectory at least one month prior to desired date. Confessions: Saturdays 5:00 to 5:45 PM, or during the week by appointment. Marriages: Please contact the rectory at least six months prior to desired wedding date. Sacrament of the Sick: If you are hospitalized or un-able to come to Church for health reasons and would like to be visited by a priest for Confession, Commun-ion, or Anointing of the Sick, please call the rectory. Religious Education Program (CCD): For children 1st to 8th grades who are not attending Catholic School. Classes are held on Sundays from September to May at 11:30 AM, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass. Confirmation: Teens will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on 8th grade. They will attend classes at 11:30 AM from September to December; and from January to April classes will start at 11:00 AM in the church hall, with attendance to the 12:30 PM Family Mass.

ST. NICHOLAS RC CHURCH

4th Sunday of Advent December 24, 2017

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:26-38).

SATURDAY, December 23 7:00AM Josephine Daniel by James Ring 8:00AM Antonio Bussanich by Antonio & Maria Piccinich 5:00PM Elvira & Luz by John Francis & Aurora SUNDAY, December 24 7:30AM Michael Paul Albanese by his family 9:30AM Antonio & Anna Tarabocchia by M/M Mario Hroncich 11:00AM Bobby Hroncich by Maria & Michael Piccinic-Lizzi 12:30PM Maria Lechich by her daughter & family 5:00PM Doris & Thomas Cooney by family 12:00AM All deceased members of our parish MONDAY, December 25—CHRISTMAS 7:30AM Mario Lisica by his wife Regina 9:30AM John Ferraioli by his family 11:00AM Maria Mirkovich by his daughter Gaudenzia 12:30PM Giuseppe Osso by his wife & children 5:00PM For all people of this parish TUESDAY, December 26 7:00AM Josephine Daniel by Mary Marino 8:00AM Family of Attilio Capezzuto by Grayce WEDNESDAY, December 27 7:00AM Joseph Finizio by Antonia Picinic 8:00AM Matea Piccinich by M/M Anthony Piccinich THURSDAY, December 28 7:00AM Caterina Piccinich by M/M Albino Matesic 8:00AM Michele LaRocca by Carmela Allegretta FRIDAY, December 29 7:00AM In honor of Divine Mercy by Anita Tarabocchia 8:00AM Giovannina, Tonino & Pasqualina by family SATURDAY, December 30 7:00AM Family intentions by Maria Morin 8:00AM Frank Tarabocchia by his wife Anita 5:00PM Ronaldo Gatti by his family SUNDAY, December 31 7:30AM In honor of the Holy Family by Anna Peticca 9:30AM Michael Paul Albanese by his uncle John 11:00AM Sr. Antonietta Cioce by St. Nicholas family 12:30PM Ascencion Jimenez by Carreno-Ciutaite family 7:00PM For all people of this parish

Mass Intentions

ST NICHOLAS RC CHURCH Parish Trustee: Giovanni Simone & Michael Massaro Parish Secretary: Débora Moreira Music Ministry: Addie Luers, Giovanni & Karen Simone, and Kelly Oliveira

Vocationist Sisters Community Sr. Benedita Carvalho, S.D.V., Superior & Pre-K Director; Sr. Jancy Thomas, S.D.V. and Sr. Emilia Din, S.D.V. 223 14th Street - Palisades Park, NJ Tel. 201-947-2413 Parish Pre-K “Fr. Justin Learning Center” Tel. 201-944-1376

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY 312 First St—Palisades Park, NJ Principal: Mark Valvano Tel. 201-947-5262

News of the Parish

In Memoriam

ALTAR CANDLES donated this week in memory of

Antoinette Bongiovanni by Tony & Blanche DiBona

Have a blessed Christmas! Best wishes from Fr. Chris and St. Nicholas staff

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE Sunday, December 24 — 4th Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM 11:00 AM (Italian Mass)

Sunday, December 24 — CHRISTMAS EVE 5:00 PM - Vigil 11:30 PM - Christmas Carols 12:00 AM - Midnight Mass Monday, December 25 — CHRISTMAS DAY 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM 11:00 AM (Italian Mass) 7:00 PM (Brazilian Mass)

Sunday, December 31 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM 11:00 AM (Italian Mass) & 7:00 PM (Brazilian Mass)

Monday, January 1, 2018 Feast of Mary, Mother of God 7:00 AM & 8:00 AM (Not a holy day of obligation)

THERE WILL BE NO CCD classes December 24 and 31. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 7.

PARISH COUNCIL will meet on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 7:30 PM in the church hall. All coordinators and leaders of group should attend.

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES—Our parishioners were extremely generous with their gifts this year. Thanks to you all!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26—ST. STEPHEN’S FEAST—Rectory office will be closed.

Page 3 December 24, 2017

Holy Communion was brought this month to: Maria Piccini, Victor Columbini, John Ostuni, Frances Ceria, Cynthia Cornell, Anita Lauria, Francesco De Candia, and Clara Forli.

Pray for our sick: Mateus Ribeiro, Domenica Di-naro, Josephine Dolberry, Eileen Murphy, Angela Tina, Rita Vanore, Maria Piccini, John Ostuni, Dominick Ostuni, Sara Modafferi, John Hroncich (John Hroncich’s nephew), Fred DeCarlo, Martino Matesic, James Malatesta and Carmelo Luvera.

Remember our deceased: Daniel Boccia (12/16)

Events of the Week Tuesday, December 26 9:00AM - Legion of Mary in Bl. Mother’s room 8:00PM - Holy Rosary by Brazilian families Wednesday, December 27 7:00PM - Holy Rosary in Italian in church Thursday, December 28 6:15 to 7:15PM - Holy Hour of Adoration for Vocations Friday, December 29 8:30PM - Brazilian Prayer Group in church hall

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT

GOD'S PROMISE

The lengthy passage from Samuel is a wonderful exposition of God's promise to the house of David: that his throne would forever be glori-ously occupied by his descendants. Hidden in the mystery of the prophecy is the prom-ise of the Savior, the Messiah, Son of God and Son of David. The prophet Nathan, speaking in God's name, poetically turns around David's plan to build a house for God, and announces God's plan to build a "house," that is, a dy-nasty for David. From this house of David will come the Messiah, the Christ, not in kingly splendor as David ruled, but as a humble man, destined to rule forever and over all. When God gives a gift, it's amazing what we are given — so different from what we ever could have imagined. Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Ministers’ Schedule for December 31

6:00 PM: Lector - Carmela B. E.M. - Maria Claudia and Rita 7:30 AM: Lectors - Michael E. M. - Sr. Jancy and Sr. Emilia 9:30 AM: Lectors - Gina and Carol E.M. - Sr. Bene, Lynn and Suzanne 11:00 AM: Lectors - Antonia and Margherita E.M. - Carmela A., Francesca and Frank 12:30 PM : Lector - Youth E.M. - Suzanne 7:00 PM : Lector - Viviane, Leny and Katia E.M. - Leo and Ieda

Pastoral Care

Would you consider giving 5% of your weekly income to support St. Nicholas?

HOW MUCH IS 5% Weekly Income $150 $200 $300 $400 $500 Offering $7.50 $10 $15 $20 $25

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

December 10 collection: $ 2,050.00 December 17 collection: 6:00 PM Mass . . . . . . . $ 299.00 7:30 AM Mass . . . . . . . $ 243.00 9:30 AM Mass . . . . . . . $ 435.00 11:00 AM Mass . . . . . . $ 423.00 12:30 PM Mass . . . . . . $ 337.00 7:00 PM Mass . . . . . . . $ 424.00 Online . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30.00 $ 2,191.00

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

Children of the parish are somewhat focused on Santa Claus these days, who is keeping an eye on who's naughty and who's nice. Santa Claus, with his heavenly patron Saint Nicho-las, has been more or less in charge of gift-giving to American children for a hundred years or so. In other places, perhaps more attentive to our Christian tradition, there are different gift-bearers. In Greece, Saint Basil delivers the presents on his feast day, December 31, and makes sure everyone is sprinkled with holy water. The Baby Jesus is in charge elsewhere, called the Christkind in Austria and Belgium, El Niño Jesús in Columbia, and Le Petit Jesus in France, where he shares his duties with Père Noël. In the Czech Republic almost everyone is atheist, but Je í ek, the infant Jesus, brings gifts to one and all. In Poland the "Star Man" is said to bring the gifts, although often he turns out to be the village priest in dis-guise. Saint Nicholas, not his Americanized cousin, is the giver in Holland, where he wears a bishop's miter, and in Rus-sia, where he wears a bishop's crown. Soviet Russia tried to dethrone Saint Nicholas and promote Grandfather Frost, but no one was much fooled by this attempt to squeeze religion out of Christ's birth. One country has a saintly woman in charge of the gifts, Saint Lucy, honored in Sweden on Decem-ber 13, when children serve their parents breakfast in bed, and others awake to news that they have been nominated for a Nobel Prize. Some children have a second round of gifts on Epiphany, when the magi assume the gift-giving duties. In general, the gifts of Christmas are simple pleasures, not great heaps of treasures. Once upon a time, a new pair of socks or an orange was enough for us. No matter what gifts we re-ceive, all of them are to point us to the true gift, and the true giver. -- Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

Vocationist Corner

O Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, model and exemplar of supernatural life

in its greatest fullness and splendor; O exemplar of the grace of Divine

Union with the Most Holy Trinity, be my family!

O Jesus, Mary and Joseph, O my Holy Family, for all eternity you remain destined to receive as your members all the Elect, regardless of

any bond of flesh or blood, be my family!

O Joseph, O Mary, O Jesus! Not even the state of the Risen Body can give us an

adequate idea of the spirituality of your Virginal Flesh, of the senses and acts of your body,

of the life of your family.

Blessed Fr. Justin Russolillo, SDV, Spirit of Prayer, page 146

Donation for the Poinsettias decorating the altar

this Christmas

From: ___________________________________

In loving memory of:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________

Donation of $ ___________

Please return this slip with your donation to the rectory office or

drop in the collection baskets

New Year’s Eve Party

“Reveillon 2018” Sunday, December 31st from 9pm to 2am

Delicious homemade dinner (Brazilian style) LIVE MUSIC

Sponsored by the Brazilian Community Tickets: $ 50.00 adults & $25.00 child 7 to 12 y/o

Children up to 6 years old—free

For tickets and information call 201-944-1154

O N L I N E G I V I N G It will allow you to send your Sunday offers using credit card or bank transfers anytime, anywhere.

Visit our website STNICHOLASRCCHURCH.ORG and click on the Parish Giving link to enroll.

St. Nicholas’ website is here to help you It is easy to check our mass schedule, weekly bulletins, calendar of meetings and parish groups activities and spe-cial events. You can see pictures of our many functions, send your comments and suggestions, request a prayer or ask questions about religion or personal matters.

SPRING AUCTION 2018 Saturday, June 9

We are collecting items to be auctioned NOT USED, UNOPENED gifts, toys, games,

electronics, kitchen appliances, home decoration, paintings, books, jewelry, etc.

All donations are tax deductible Please call the rectory’s office for more information

201-944-1154 For safety reasons we cannot accept used clothes, shoes,

opened toys or objects of decoration)

ATTENTION: Please be aware that in case of IN-CLEMENT WEATHER, the 7:00 AM weekday Mass will be canceled. You may attend the 8:00 AM Mass. In doubt, please call the rectory before leaving your house or check our website stnicholasrcchurch.org

Celebrate with us the birth of our Lord

Jesus Christ!

Come to church for the Christmas Carols

Sunday, Sunday, Dec 24 at 11:30PM followed by the Midnight Mass

FRANCISCAN C.D.C.’s ANNUAL HOLIDAY DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS - “This Christmas can you spare a pair?” Help us warm their heart and soul - $5 Gift Card or a pair of warm socks. The Franciscan Sisters are located at 239 Anderson Ave—Fairview, NJ 201-941-1000

POSSIBILITIES "What could happen?" That question affects each of us differently. Some of us are thrill-seekers, div-ing into unfamiliar territory with no regard for ob-stacles or dangers; others have learned from pain-ful experience that the future may hold suffering or disaster. This last, brief Sunday of Advent em-boldens us. Our readings remind us that our God is the God of possibilities. And while God's care does not guarantee that we will not encounter suffer-ing, we can absolutely count on God's power to raise us to glory.

GLORY BE! Truly, God creates us for glory. The burdens of daily life can shrink our hopes, but we must re-member that we are made for nothing less than infinite glory. Who could have believed that the beleaguered Israelite nation could defeat all of its enemies? And yet our first reading today proclaims that God gave David "rest from his enemies on every side." Who could hope to unify the entire world in obedience to one Messiah? And yet Saint Paul insists that the "only wise God" has revealed salvation through Jesus to all people. Who could expect one young woman to decide the course of human history? And yet the angel tells Mary that her yes will establish a kingdom to endure forever. We know, of course, that Israel did not maintain its peace. Even today, that area of the world is far from stable. We also recognize the wide variety of world religions that do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true savior. Though God has set us on the path to fullness and glory, we are still broken. Our danger lies not in hoping for too much, but in trusting too little in God. God can resurrect any darkness -- replacing terror with peace, healing ancient wounds, uniting families, bringing stability to chaos.

This is the message of Christmas. God can, and will, do everything to cover the world in love.

BLESSING OF THE NATIVITY SCENE

In its present form the custom of displaying figures de-picting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its ori-gin to St.

Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time. When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. R/. Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 or Isaiah 7:10 Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The leader prays with hands joined:

God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.

Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. R/. Amen.