May 19, 2013

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Well, the preparation for Christmas Spectacular are now being made. Pat Ditzig has reserved tickets for the Christmas Show at Radio City Musical Hall, New York City, on Sunday, November 17 th , 2013 at 4:00 p.m. Entrance tickets and transportation by chartered bus (from our Chapel parking lot) are a package deal of $68.00. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521

May 12, 2013

When you had fulfilled the plan of salvation for us and united the earthly with the heavenly, you were taken up in glory, O Christ our God. Never parting from us but remaining constantly, you proclaim to those who love you: I am with you and no one can be against you.

We Pray: Lord, look with merciful eyes upon our humble and earnest petition which we fervently offer to You today in behalf of all our Mothers. Shower Your heavenly graces upon them. Grant that they may always behold the joy of their children and their children's children. Fill them with that same maternal love that our most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary showed to Your Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to You, Heavenly Master, on this Special Day honoring our Mothers, to graciously hear us and have mercy on them! – We wish all Mothers of our Parish, about to be Mothers, and would-be Mothers and Godmothers a Happy and Blessed Mother's Day! God Bless and Protect Each and Every One of You!

Think Snow; Think Christmas! The Christmas Show at Radio City! Thanks to Pat Ditzig, we have received limited reserved tickets for this wonderful annual production on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 TH , 2013, 4:00 P.M. Tickets (First Mezzanine—better than last year) and chartered bus transportation (from Chapel parking lot) are a package deal of $68.00. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

Our Prayerful Support. At the time of the printing of this bulletin, we received news that our faithful, kindly Son of our Parish Family, +Peter Dwinczyk has been called to his Eternal Reward. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and you may contact obituaries in local papers for final times of Funeral Services.

The "M" word During a science lesson, a second-grade teacher demonstrated how a magnet can pick up metal objects such as nails and screws.

Afterward, she said, “My name begins with the letter ‘m.' I pick up things with my power. What am I?”

A boy quickly answered, “You're a MOTHER!”

May 5, 2013

In Celebration of First Confession and

First Solemn Corporate Communion

Prayerful congratulations are extended to these eight students of our Eastern Christian Formation class! May Our Lord bestow on each of them blessings beyond measure! May they always remain faithful, along with their parents, to Our Lord and His Church. May they know the merciful God in the Mystery of Reconciliation. May they faithfully and frequently approach Holy Eucharist at the Divine Liturgy. And may Our Lord bless our Religious Education Director, Pat Ditzig, as well as Donna Lengel, for her dedicated efforts in preparing our students for the reception of the Sacraments.

Our Prayerful Sympathy. The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated yesterday in our Cathedral Church for +John Sedlak, Sr. As we offered this Pascal Divine Liturgy we ask Our Risen Lord to look with love on our brother in the Faith whom we commend to His mercy. Now, may the Light of Our Lord's face watch over His servant, John Sr. and grant him Eternal Rest! May his soul be numbered among the Just! Our Prayerful Sympathy is extended to the Family and Relatives of John Sedlak, Sr.

GET READY FOR SPECIALTY BAKED GOODS!

With profound and playful Appreciation to a most important group of dedicated kitchen workers, our Parish is able to extend the following choices of home-made baked goods:

May 11 th – Nut & Poppy Rolls

PLEASE PHONE YOUR ORDER IN:

Cathedral Orders : Vlasta Berry Home: 201.935.3395/Cell: 201.370.2656

Chapel Orders: Dolores Galik 973.239.6007

ALERT! The following message is sent on behalf of Fr. Robert Hospodar and the Respect Life Office of our Eparchy of Passaic: TODAY, SUNDAY, MAY 5 TH at 9:00 pm, FOX News will air nationally a documentary about the notorious abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell who has been on trial for the murder of babies born alive and of a woman who came to his abortion clinic. This is a very important trial that raises many key issues in our national debate over abortion. We encourage you to watch it

April 28, 2013

GET READY FOR SPECIALTY BAKED GOODS!

With profound and playful Appreciation to a most important group of dedicated kitchen workers, our Parish is able to extend the following choices of home-made baked goods:

May 4 th - Babka Baking: Plain and Raisin May 11 th – Nut & Poppy Rolls

PLEASE PHONE YOUR ORDER IN:

Cathedral Orders : Vlasta Berry Home: 201.935.3395/Cell: 201.370.2656

Chapel Orders: Dolores Galik 973.239.6007

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE For the month of May, the Cathedral Sanctuary candle is lit in Loving Memory of +George Herina, requested by Daughter, Georgia.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ.”

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today for the Servant of God, Gram Samuel, new born son of David and Erin Jo (Dzupin) Klepeis. May David and Erin Jo, along with their “Gift from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders, NJ, welcome everyone to their Spring Penny Auction, Friday, May 17,2013. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $6.00. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

April 21, 2013

GET READY FOR SPECIALTY BAKED GOODS!

With profound and playful Appreciation to a most important group of dedicated kitchen workers, our Parish is able to extend the following choices of home-made baked goods:

May 4 th - Babka Baking: Plain and Raisin

May 11 th – Nut & Poppy Rolls

PLEASE PHONE YOUR ORDER IN:

Cathedral Orders : Vlasta Berry Home: 201.935.3395/Cell: 201.370.2656

Chapel Orders: Dolores Galik 973.239.6007

DISABILITIES DRIVE. The Passaic Council of the Knights of Columbus will conduct their Disabilities Drive next weekend following our Cathedral and Chapel Divine Liturgies. Please be so kind with your generosity for this worthy cause.

On The Lighter Side. A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, “Grandpa did God make you?” “Yes, sweetheart,” he answered, “God made me a long time ago.” “Oh,” she paused, “Grandpa. Did God make me too?” “Yes, indeed, honey,” he said, “God made you just a little while ago.” Feeling their respective faces again, the little girl observed, “God's getting better at it, isn't He?”

April 14, 2013

Again And Again, Our Profound Appreciation! Our Cathedral kitchen workers once again are deserving of our prayerful gratitude for their continuing “Labor of Love”. The kitchen was certainly busy with angelic activity, producing the finest, the very finest nut and poppy rolls as well as the traditional Paska. All we can say is “Thanks to the precious people who work so hard in keeping alive this special project of parish life for the good of our community, for the benefit of our Church and most especially, for the greater glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ!” Your hearts and hands have provided and income. Good work well done! God bless and prosper the good will and intentions of our dedicated workers!!

Where Is The Risen One? The “Christ Is Risen” hymn is majestically sung in our Divine Liturgy. But where is He? Where do we find Him? Do we acknowledge His presence in our families? “He Is Risen” we proclaim, but have we forgotten that we need to make His presence visible to one another? We too have a part in the mystery of Christ's Resurrection!

The Easter Message Is Telling Us Something At Washington National Airport, a long line had formed at one of the airline ticket windows. Suddenly, a strange-looking character charged up to the front of the line, put a ten dollar bill on the counter and said to the ticket agent, “I want to go to New York.” The clerk said, “I'm sorry sir, but you can't go to New York for ten dollars.” “Well, where can I go?” the man asked. And fifteen people in the line told him where to go. The Risen Christ is telling us that the waiting is over, the death-watch is over. The time has come for us to roll away the stone and rise from the tomb of our empty life. As you look at your life, wherever it may be at this moment, and you begin to feel a sense of emptiness and futility, know that the power and the strength to change all that is available to you. The power and strength is here to enable you to do what God intends for you,, in your relationships, in your work, in your, in your recreation, in your spirituality, in your ministry of peacemaking and loving service. The Easter Message is telling us where to go! We better listen to our heart's call to our Lord, Jesus Christ!

On The Lighter Side. There's a little old Catholic lady living next door to an atheist. Every morning the lady goes out on her front porch and shouts, “Praise the Lord!” And every day, the atheist yells back, “There is no God!” After a while, though, the lady runs into financial difficulties and has trouble buying food. But every morning she god out on the porch and asks God for help with groceries and then shouts, “Praise the Lord!” One morning when she goes out on her porch, she discovers the groceries she's prayed for, of course she shouts, “Praise the Lord!” Just then, the atheist leaps out from behind a bush and says, “Ha, Ha! There's no God—I bought those groceries for you!” The lady looks at him and smiles. Then she shouts all the louder, “Praise the Lord! Not only did you provide for me, Lord, you also made Satan pay for the groceries!”

April 7, 2013

The Lord is truly Risen!

To Him be glory forever!

TODAY: Easter Egg Hunt The traditional Easter Egg Hunt for the little “Angels” takes place today at our Chapel Community Center following the 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Tickets or registrations are not necessary. Just bring your precious children for this joyful celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection!

Our Parish Family has manifested a vibrant and living Faith in Christ by your reverential and prayerful participation and celebration of all liturgical services of Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Your presence at these solemn Divine Services is a sign that Christ is among us in His Risen power. The gift of New Life which comes from Our Lord was evident by the lifting of our hearts and minds in song and prayer. Your living faith, in this “Year of Faith” clearly demonstrates that each of us accepts the gift and grace of God with abundant joy. Indeed, Christ is Risen in our hearts, in our life and in our Parish Community! Also, very special appreciation is extended to the faithful of our Parish for your kindness and generosity with the combined Holy Week and Easter Offertory. (Proceeds from the recent Paska/nut & puppy rolls are not included in this amount. Appreciation and results from the baking will be announced shortly.)

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders, NJ, welcome everyone to their Spring Penny Auction, Friday, May 17,2013. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $6.00. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

Annual Beefsteak Our Holy Name Society is cordially inviting you to their ANNUAL BEEFSTEAK DINNER. Do you remember last year's Beefsteak…a superb, outstanding event with compliments after compliments! Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, April 20 th for the Beefsteak Dinner at our Chapel Social Center. In the mean time, start licking your chops for a wonderful parish event. Tickets available following Divine Liturgies. God Bless our faithful Holy Name members!

The miracle of Easter is this quiet recognition that mankind

is meant for life.

April 1, 2013

God gave the Law through Moses,

but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17

That ancient statement of Faith: “Christ is Risen,” is as important today as it was on the first Easter morning! We welcome you to our Church family as we celebrate Christ Risen in our lives and in our world. Let us join hearts, hands and voices in joyous praise to Almighty God whose power and love raised Jesus from the dead! Let us unite in celebrating the mighty acts of God in Jesus Christ Our Lord on this Easter Sunday and every Sunday!

Easter Egg Hunt The traditional Easter Egg Hunt for the little “Angels” takes place next Sunday at our Chapel Community Center following the 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Tickets or registrations are not necessary. Just bring your precious children for this joyful celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection!

FEAST OF FEASTS, THE GREAT DAY “This is the Day of the Resurrection. Let us then keep the Festival with splendor, and let us embrace one another. Let us say Brethren, even to those who hate us; much more to those who have suffered out of love for us. Let us forgive all offences for the resurrection's sake. Let us give one another's pardon, for the noble tyranny which I have suffered; and you who exercised it, if you had cause to blame my tardiness; for perhaps this tardiness may be more precious in God's sight than the haste of others.

Yesterday, I was crucified with Him, today, I am glorified with Him. Yesterday, I died with Him, today I am quickened with Him. Yesterday, I was buried with Him, today, I rise with Him. But let us offer to Him, Who suffered and rose again for us, not the mere material of earth, which remains here below and is, for the most part, always possessed by bad men, slaves of the world and of the Prince of the world. Let us offer ourselves – the possession most precious to God, and most fitting. Let us give back to the Image what is made after the Image. Let us recognize our Dignity; let us honor our Archetype; let us know the power of the Mystery, and for whom Christ died.

Let us give all, offer all, to Him Who gave Himself a Ransom and a Reconciliation for us. But one can give nothing like oneself, understanding that Mystery, and becoming for His sake all that He became for Ours.” – From the Resurrection Homily of Saint Gregory Nazianzen

March 24, 2013

A Reflection from the Country of our New Holy Father Pope Francis High in the Andes, and visible for miles and miles, is a statue of Jesus. Called Christ of the Andes , it straddles the border between Chile and Argentina. According to M. Nassan, both nations were preparing to war against each other. On Easter Sunday, bishops of both nations began a giant, aggressive peace initiative. As a result, the people, who opposed war, made their governments sit down and settle the differences peacefully. When an agreement was reached, the big bronze guns being produced for war were melted and recast into the present statue. Jesus said, “Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!” Matthew 5:9. How peaceful a person am I? These mountains shall fall and crumble to dust before the people of Chile and the Argentine shall forget their solemn covenant sworn at the feet of Christ. - Inscription on Christ of the Andes

“How splendid the cross of Christ! It brings life, not death; light, not darkness; paradise, not its loss. It is the wood on which the Lord, like a great warrior, was wounded in hands and feet and side, but healed thereby our wounds.” – St. Theodore of Stoudites

Our Prayers of Respect and Sympathy. Please remember in prayer the Soul of +Basil Finiak, of Garfield, who was called to Eternal Life this past week. A good and faithful parishioner of our Cathedral Parish, he always kept his heart close to St. Michael's Cathedral and to the Holy Name Society. May Our Lord now grant Eternal Life to +Basil Finiak and may the Light of our Lord's face watch over him! Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory!

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today at 1:30 p.m. for the Servants of God, Tia Maria Gramatova newborn daughter of Peter & Katarina Gramatova and Tennie Lavan Petro, newborn daughter of Stefan & Michaela Petro. May Peter & Katarina Gramatova and Stefan & Michaela Petro, along with their “Gifts from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

JUST A REMIMDER Beginning with the Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday evening we remain STANDING at those moments during the Liturgy when we would ordinarily kneel. As a sign of honor to the Resurrection of Christ, we stand!

For Peace Of Our Immortal Souls . Please remember to humbly approach the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation prior to the Feast of Our Lord's Resurrection. “Those who approach this Sacrament obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against them, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1422).

PARKING ALERT! Anticipating the number of vehicles at our Cathedral location for Holy Week and Easter Sunday, please consider using the large LOWER parking lot with access from Market Street. This request is made in behalf of the elderly and those with walking difficulties who may find it easier to park closer to the church.

March 17, 2013

HABEMUS PAPAM---WE HAVE A POPE! On Wednesday of this week, the Holy Spirit guided the College of Cardinals to give the Church a new spiritual Father and Guide, Pope Francis, formerly Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina. His Holiness is the 266 th Successor to St. Peter and is a very humble and very spiritual man. We offer our thanks to Almighty God and will continue to pray for our new Holy Father as well as for His Holiness Benedict XVI as well as the whole Church. May God grant to His Servant, our new Holy Father Francis and His Holiness Benedict XVI, many happy and spiritually fruitful years ! Na mnohaja I Blahaja L'ita !

GET READY FOT THIS WONDERFUL EVENT Our Holy Name Society is cordially inviting you to their ANNUAL BEEFSTEAK DINNER. Do you remember last year's Beefsteak…a superb, outstanding event with compliments after compliments! Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, April 20 th for the Beefsteak Dinner at our Chapel Social Center. In the mean time, start licking your chops for a wonderful parish event. Tickets available following Divine Liturgies. God Bless our faithful Holy Name members!

FROM THE SISTERS IN UNIONTOWN, PA: “Opening the Doors of Faith – Discerning One's Path thru Life” is the theme of our upcoming weekend for women at Mount St. Macrina, Friday evening, April 5, through 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2013. The Sisters of St. Basil invite single women, ages 18 – 45 to meet together with Sisters to reflect deeply about the vocation of each baptized person and on her own path of life. For information or registration, contact Sr. Barbara Jean at 724.438.7149 or vocations@sistersofstbasil.org . Attendance is free.

A SEASONAL MESSAGE ALERT. If you are blessed with a Pussy Willow shrub, please cut the branches and bring them to the Rectory early this coming week. God bless you for your gift of sharing!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: The priest was preparing a man for his long day's journey into night.

Whispering firmly, the priest said, "Denounce the devil! Let him know how little you think of his evil!"

The dying man said nothing so the priest repeated his order.

Still the dying man said nothing.

The priest asked, "Why do you refuse to denounce the devil and his evil?"

The dying man said, "Until I know where I'm heading, I don't think I ought to aggravate anybody."

March 10, 2013

THE 4 TH ALL SOULS SATURDAY that was to be commemorated yesterday (March 9 th ) has been omitted from our Calendar this year due to observance of a minor feastday, the Holy Martyrs of Sebaste which is commemorated on March 9 th . Since this feast fell on a Saturday it takes primary place over the All Souls' commemoration. But, we will still observe all five of these commemorations for our beloved deceased. We have transferred the observance of this fourth Saturday to the weekend of April 13-14 in order to keep the five Saturdays intact.

John Chrysostom on prayer A saint named John Chrysostom, who died in 407, once offered a great insight regarding prayer. He wrote: “Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God's grace. The apostle Paul says: “We do not know how we are to pray, but the Spirit himself pleads for us with inexpressible longings” (Romans 8:26).

When the Lord gives this kind of prayer to a man or woman, he gives riches that cannot be taken away, heavenly food that satisfies the spirit. One who tastes this food is set on fire with an eternal longing for the Lord; his spirit burns as in a fire of the utmost intensity.

—Don Schwager in The Forty Days of Lent

God Respects…

not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many they are;

not the rhetoric of our prayers, how elegant they are;

not the music of our prayer, how melodious they are;

not the logic of our prayers, how methodical they are'

but the sincerity of our prayers, how heart-sprung they are.

In the original Olympic games in ancient Greece, the greatest event was a race up and down mountains. Speed wasn't the most important issue, because the runner ran the race with a flaming torch. The winner was not necessarily the first person to reach the finish line. It was the person who crossed the line with the flame still burning. The moral of this story: We need to run the race in such a way that we don't put out the flame. We might be later in crossing the line, not only because we are protecting our own flame but also because we are lighting the torches of others whose flames have gone out. Winning, as someone has said, is about finishing well, not just finishing first.

This coming friday: Fish and chips Our Holy Name Society invites you to their Lenten Fare on Friday, March 15 th at our Chapel Social Center, Woodland Park. Tickets are available following Divine Liturgies. Take-out orders are available. For tickets and more information call Tom J Duch at 201.794.7234 or John Vilchock at 201.935.3281. Don't miss this event!

SEASONAL MESSAGE ALERT. If you are blessed with a Pussy Willow shrub, please check the branches: they are probably ready for cutting. Please bring the branches to the Rectory ASAP for proper storage until Palm Sunday. God bless you for your gift of sharing!

February 10, 2013

Prayer Requests for the Departed We received word that + Margaret Racin, 92, the wife of our former Cantor/Choir Director Anthony Racin, was recently called to Eternal Life. Also kindly remember the SOul of + Dolores Hearn, a Parishioner of our Parish who also was recently called to her Eternal home. May the Light of Our Lord's face now watch over his Servants, Margaret Racin and Dolores Hearn.

This Lent which binds us loving
To faith and hope and charity

Tomorrow, February 11th, marks the beginning of the Great Fast, Lent, for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite.

Tomorrow, strict fast and abstinence is required. Meat and dairy products are not permitted.

~ Lent ~

Perhaps what I am supposed to do about Lent is to think about some things I have put off thinking about. The Beatitudes, for instance. They seem to make demands on me that I'm not sure i want made. But I have a hunch that if I stop being afraid of the Beatitudes and consider them seriously, I may discover a way of life which will not only be simpler, I may discover a way of life which will not only be simpler than life usually is, but which will also be more free than life normally is for a middle-class American.

"Forgiveness Vespers" at 3:00 o'clock this afternoon for the beginning of the Great Lenten Season!

From the Writings of St. John Chrysostom. "Fasting is a medicine, making the sick healthy and keeping the healthy from getting sick. Let us not be sad in our self-denial, for the change in our way of life during these blessed days leads us to joyful holiness." What day-by-day discipline will be part of your lenten meals? By the time Easter arrives, if we keep lenten fast with a positive attitude and with lots of imagination, our minds and bodies will be far healthier (and hungrier) then they are now.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

January 27, 2013

Each one of us can relate to the story of the Prodigal Son. Time and again, we find ourselves running away from God, our loving Father, choosing instead to live our lives free from him, his will, and his plan for us, only to find ourselves wanting to return to our Father in Heaven he will always be there to run to meet us, embrace us, and rejoice that we have found our way back to him. Of course for some, a return to God seems to only become a possibility when they've hit "Rock bottom". For others, the slightest difficulty sends them scampering back to the waiting Father, while others fail to return altogether. In all these, however, one thing remains constant, and that is the Father's love for us, his children. Whether we choose to return sooner or later, he will always be there, awaiting us on our return.

A lesson in commitment

A hen and a pig strolled down the avenue. The hen looked up at a huge billboard advertising ham and eggs. "Look at those magnificent fried eggs with the orange yellow yolks," said the hen. "Look at the fried ham steak," said the pig. They thought for a moment, then the pig spoke, "For you, those eggs were a contribution, but for me the ham was a total commitment." Some make contributions, others are totally committed.

As a nation, family, church or individual, so much depends on the direction we take. Start here - "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

For Pondering

We look back on that first coming in Bethlehem; we look forward to the final coming. But we are not caught between a past that is gone and a future not here yet. What connects yesterday and tomorrow is today. For He WHo came and will come again, comes to us today. He comes as the Bread of Life. Do we feast on Him? He comes as the Word of God. Do we listen to Him? He comes as the Light of the World. Do we let His Light dispel the darkness of sin that lurks in each of us? He comes as Savior. Do we repent? Do we let Him forgive us? He comes as Lord. Do we follow Him? He comes in Prayer. DO we speak to Him? He comes in the Eucharist. DO we receive Him "with the fear of God, with faith, and with love?

January 13, 2013

Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for January – Offered in Solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI:

General: That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.

Mission: That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18–25, 2013

The Passaic Ecumenical Committee invites you to attend the Annual Prayer Service

In celebration of the WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, 2013 in First United Methodist Church, 145 Paulison Avenue (across the street from Passaic High School), in Passaic.

Prayers for the Dead - Hramoty

Our Eastern Christian faith takes death frankly and openly into account. Our Church calendar provides many occasions when we are asked to face up to the fact of death. Easter is one such occasion. Sunday is another. Every Sunday is a “little Easter” on our Church calendar celebrating Christ's victory over death. On our church calendar every year there are special Memorial Saturdays or “Saturdays for the Souls” which provide another opportunity for us to face up to death. On these Saturdays the Divine Liturgy is celebrated and special prayers are offered for our deceased loved ones. We pray for the dead especially on Saturdays since it was on the Sabbath day that Christ lay dead in the tomb, “resting from all His works.” Thus, in the New Testament, Saturday becomes the proper day for remembering the dead and offering prayers for them.

According to our Byzantine liturgical calendar for 2013, the first three of the All Souls Liturgies and commemorations, at 9:00 a.m., fall on these following dates: January 26 th, February 23 rd, and March 2 nd, 2013.

You may list the names of your beloved deceased on the card, include it in the “All Souls” envelope (provided in your box of Church envelopes) and return the same in our Offertory basket. And, be sure to attend the Divine Liturgies on the All Souls Days.

REMEBERING AND WITNESSING FOR

The Sanctity of Human Life

“ It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so

that you may live as you wish.” -Blessed Mother Theresa

We must Respect all Life as a Gift from God! …and we must remember that a baby is a person, no matter how small. Pray for all unborn children. Pray for all pregnant women, especially those who might be struggling with a decision at this very moment.

January 6, 2013

Prayers for the Dead - Hramoty

Our Eastern Christian faith takes death frankly and openly into account. Our Church calendar provides many occasions when we are asked to face up to the fact of death. Easter is one such occasion. Sunday is another. Every Sunday is a “little Easter” on our Church calendar celebrating Christ's victory over death. On our church calendar every year there are special Memorial Saturdays or “Saturdays for the Souls” which provide another opportunity for us to face up to death. On these Saturdays the Divine Liturgy is celebrated and special prayers are offered for our deceased loved ones. We pray for the dead especially on Saturdays since it was on the Sabbath day that Christ lay dead in the tomb, “resting from all His works.” Thus, in the New Testament, Saturday becomes the proper day for remembering the dead and offering prayers for them.

According to our Byzantine liturgical calendar for 2013, the first three of the All Souls Liturgies and commemorations, at 9:00 a.m., fall on these following dates: January 26 th, February 23 rd, and March 2 nd, 2013.

You may list the names of your beloved deceased on the card, include it in the “All Souls” envelope (provided in your box of Church envelopes) and return the same in our Offertory basket. And, be sure to attend the Divine Liturgies on the All Souls Days.

All you who have been baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. Alleluia!

The Christmas/Theophany season constitues the festive celebration of the coming of God's light into our world. Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He is the Sun of Righteousness who brings the light of wisdom to human beings sitting in darkness and in the region and shadow of death. Today, more than ever, we know about darkness and regions and shadows of death. We know of the events of evil circulating in every part of the world: unprecedented acts of terror and moral decay. More than ever we must fulfill our mission as Church to bring Christ to the world. May we serve as beacons of divine illumination to those sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. Our prayer is necessary and vital.

Are You Sleeping Spiritually? A priest was baptizing a six-week-old baby. During the ceremony the baby was peacefully sleeping in his mother's arms. When the priest was about to pour the water on his head, the baby suddenly awoke with a soft whimper. After the ceremony the priest mentioned to the mother that he was surprised the baby awoke so abruptly just at that moment. “Oh,” she replied, “I squeezed his toes to wake him. I didn't want him sleeping through his baptism.” Her comment was a reminder that we should always be alert to our baptismal promises. This sacrament of initiation is the first step on our earthly spiritual journey. It is not a “once upon a time” event, but a daily way of life. If we ignore our faith, allow evil to lead us and fail to pursue a life of Christian virtue, then we are sleeping through our baptism. Jesus, when I spiritually doze, pinch my toes and wake me up! Also: the Baptism of Our Lord by John is a reminder for us to remember the name and to pray for the priest who baptized us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

December 30, 2012

IN THIS YEAR OF FAITH AND IN THIS NEW YEAR 2013 Come, Lord, act in our lives. Touch our hearts and call us back to you that we may love you and run to you. - St. Augustine

Sunday After the Nativity (or Birth) of Our Lord,

commemoration of the holy and just Joseph, King David,

and James, cousin of our Lord

A last minute stewardship request Today , may some kind Souls place an additional gift (or New gift) toward our 2012 campaign. Please be sure your check is DATED, Dec. 2012 . May God bless All our Parishioners who responded to this year's Stewardship Appeal!

PLEASE LEND A HELPING HAND! Pat Ditzig, coordinator of our Parish Religious Education Program informs us that the ECF classes are now saving box tops. Save all the box tops that you can save…and ask your friends and neighbors also to lend a helping hand. Carefully cut the coupon from the product and place them in the BOX TOP CONTAINER in Cathedral and Chapel. Let's do this for OUR children!!

December 30, 2012

THE LORD HAS BROUGHT YOU HERE! As we mark and celebrate this joyful Feast of Our Lord's Nativity, we thank him for directing your hearts to St. Michael's to this House of the Lord! May the Infant Christ abundantly bless each of you, our faithful parishioners, friends and visitors for accompanying us as we proclaim and live our vibrant faith that “God Is With Us!”

Wise men came with the treasures of earth in their hands…

and left with the Treasure of Heaven in their hearts.

THE 2012 EPARCHIAL STEWARDSHIP APPEAL. Soon, the Appeal will be closed for the year. Perhaps you may have misplaced the Stewardship response card. No problem. Simply place your Pledge Offering in an envelope marked “2012 Stewardship” and mail it to our parish. Checks must be dated no later than 2012 (for income tax purposes). God bless you for the kindness and generosity which you share for both our Eparchy and the Parish of St. Michael's!

OUR PRAYERFUL SYPMATHY The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated for +Dorothy Colborn and +Marita Pastorick . As death saddens us even now in the joy of the Christmas season, we know by our faith that God has prepared an Eternal Home for us. Please remember Dorothy and Marita in prayer. May the Light of Our Lord's face now watch over each of them! May they rest in peace.

Christmas is the foundation of the world's hope. It is not man's best dream, not man reaching up, but God reaching down. It is the revelation that at the center of the universe is an undefeatable power of love on which men can rely and to which they can join their efforts.

The Christmas faith and hope are all wrapped up in one word, Emmanuel – God is with us.

December 16, 2012

Welcome to our Parish Family! With open arms we warmly welcome William and Janice O'Brien to the Parish Family of St. Michael's. In this special Year of Faith, may Our Divine Lord continue to bless the life and faith of William and Janice as they walk in the path of Jesus Christ!

A nightmare

A sorrowful shroud covers our nation. The event of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, to say the least is disheartening. As one announcer pointed out so accurately “The level of Evil could blow your mind.” We remember in fervent prayer the children and teachers who lost their lives in this ugly tragedy. May Our Lord remedy this present misery, pains, and suffering of the innocent.

The 2012 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If you are not able to locate your Gift Form, simply mark an envelope with your name and “Stewardship.”

Christmas Bazaar at the Ukrainian center Today, at the Ukrainian Center on 240 Hope Avenue in Passaic is hosting a Christmas Bazaar from 9:30AM-5:00PM. There are many unique vendors, holiday music, traditional Eastern European food, imported beers, free face painting and a visit from St. Nicholas. Please bring your children and your camera and take a picture with jolly ole' St. Nick! *Free Admission*

December 9, 2012

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS! The priests of our parish will be available for the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) this coming Thursday, December 13 in the Cathedral Church from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and also, Saturday, December 15 th in the Cathedral Church from 11:00 am to 1:00pm.

Christmas Bazaar at the Ukrainian Center On Sunday, December 16, 2012, the Ukrainian Center on 240 Hope Avenue in Passaic will be hosting a Christmas Bazaar from 9:30AM-5:00PM. There will be many unique vendors, holiday music, traditional Eastern European food, imported beers, free face painting and a visit from St. Nicholas. Please bring your children and your camera and take a picture with jolly ole' St. Nick! *Free Admission*

PLEASE LEND A HELPING HAND! Pat Ditzig, coordinator of our Parish Religious Education Program informs us that the ECF classes are now saving box tops. Save all the box tops that you can save…and ask your friends and neighbors also to lend a helping hand. Carefully cut the coupon from the product and place them in the BOX TOP CONTAINER in Cathedral and Chapel. Let's do this for OUR children!!

The 2012 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If you are not able to locate your Gift Form, simply mark an envelope with your name and “Stewardship.” Please help us reach our Parish goal... Quickly.

“Where are the other nine?" Was no one found to return and give praise to God but this alien?” A theologian once said that at the heart of Christianity is thanksgiving and gratitude. God so loved the world that he sent his only Son… to this we can only reply, thank you Jesus. The Holy Spirit came down as tongues of fire on the apostles… to this we can only reply, thank you Holy Spirit. The church continues the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission of Jesus in the world… to this we can only reply, thank you. The celebration of the Eucharist is the great thanksgiving of the people of God assembled in the name of Jesus.

Our Christian Sympathy Prayerful condolences are shared with the family of precious soul of St. Michael's recently called to Eternal Life. The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated this past week for +Anna Zavoda. Now, may the Light of our Lord's face watch over Anna and reward her for her living faith in Jesus Christ!

December 2, 2012

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE is lit in Loving Memory of +Peter Michael Korotky given by Lucy Signorino.

Offertory Envelopes For The Year 2013… available for your immediate pick up at Chapel or Cathedral (lower level). God Bless YOU for YOUR continued love and support of St. Michael's throughout the year! Because of a printing delay, calendars for 2013 will be available real soon.

For our continuing help Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund is established and managed by the GCU Foundation. All donations will be distributed to GCU Members and Byzantine Catholic Parishioners who have sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy. For information on requesting a distribution, please contact GCU Fraternal Director Christie Petty at 1.800.722.4428 ext. 3923.

Congratulations are in order We share prayerful respect to Father Jody for his superb work in presenting an historical background of our Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. The article written by Fr. Jody will give us a bird's eye view of the past 50 years of our Eparchy. Thank you Fr. Jody for this wonderful academic accomplishment!

A friendly Reminder Some are in Nursing Homes, some are homebound and some live at a distance. But we remember them all…. Please be sure to send a Christmas card to our cherished parishioners. Be sure to sign your name and add “I'm a parishioner of St. Michael's”. God Bless You!

Our Prayerful Sympathy is shared with the families of +John Majernik and +Anna Bush. The Rite of Christian Burial for +John Majernik was celebrated yesterday. The Funeral Liturgy for +Anna Bush will be celebrated tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral. May the light of Our Lord's face watch over his servants John Majernik & Anna Bush and grant them a Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory.

November 25, 2012

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE is lit in Loving Memory of +Peter Michael Korotky given by Lucy Signorino.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 1 st , 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. It is our Annual Children's Christmas party celebrating St. Nicholas Day. Once again, our Holy Name Society will provide a yummy breakfast for all of us to enjoy. The kids will make crafts and get ready for a special visitor. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Adults - $10.00 each, kids are Free!!! Contact Paulette Rude at 973.686.7747 or paulette.rude@tiffany.com for tickets and reservations.

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

2012

I have been told by a number of our parishioners that they have not received stewardship material by mail. IF YOU HAVE NOT received this information from our Chancery Office please call our Rectory (973.777.2553) immediately

Our Christian Sympathy . Prayerful condolences are shared with the families of two precious souls of St. Michael's recently called to Eternal Life. The Rites of Christian Burial will be celebrated this coming week for +Margie Wos and +Tadeusz Pelak. Now, may the Light of our Lord's face watch over Margie and Tadeusz and reward them for their living faith in Jesus Christ!

The Icon of Advent. The image portrays the Mother of God (Theotokos) with the Christ Child in her bosom (the Icon on the left). Christ, in this icon, is a sign that was announced first by the Prophet Isaiah: “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you this sign: ‘The Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name Him Emmanuel, ‘” (Is. 7:14) a name that means ‘God is with us.' In the icon the sign is Christ – God becoming man. The Son of God is made known to us as the Son of Man. He is true God and true man. The icon celebrates this truth. Through the Virgin Mother of God, He receives His human nature. Thus, “The Lord Whom the heavens could not contain is contained in the Virgin.”

November 18, 2012

Our Thanksgiving Day Liturgy.
As a parish family we would do well to begin our Thanksgiving Day festivities by attending the morning Divine Liturgy celebrated by the priests of our parish. Preparations at home may prevent some from attending the Liturgy, however, at least one family member should be present. We are mindful that there is no better way to express our thanksgiving then participating inn the Divine Liturgy on such a solemn and joyful day.

GET READY FOR SPECIALTY BAKED GOODS!

With profound and prayful Appreciation to a most important group of dedicated kitchen workers, our Parish is able to extend the following choices of home-made baked goods for the Christmas season!

December 1st - Babka Baking: Plain and Raisin

December 8 th - Nut, Poppy & Lekvar Rolls

PLEASE PHONE YOUR ORDER IN:

Cathedral Orders: Vlasta Berry Home: 201.935.3395
Cell: 201.370.2656

Chapel Orders: Dolores Galik 973.239.6007

With Our Prayerful Sympathy The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated this past week for +Margaret Sudol and + Walter Cupta. Now may the light of our Lord's face watch over these dear parishioners of our Parish. May their Memory be made Eternal.

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

2012

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

1 Peter 4:10

I pray...and I hope that, with YOUR LOVE< with YOUR UNDERSTANDING and with YOUR GENEROSITY this year we meet and surpass our Parish goal!

If not us, then who?

If not now, then when?

- Think about your gifts. Think about God's generosity in your life. Then ask: "What shall I return to the Lord?"

- by November 20th please...

November 11, 2012

A VERY SPECIAL SEASON BEGINS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, November 14 th the Advent fast begins.

The season of Advent, containing a wealth of spiritual tradition and practices, has its origins in antiquity, in the early centuries of the Church. It is hard to pinpoint exactly the precise moment Advent was instituted as a liturgical season. In the Christian East, the season was conceived as a forty-day fasting period in preparation for the feast of the Nativity of the Lord. In this and many other ways, Advent was similar to the Lenten fast that leads to Easter. In the East, this time of preparation started around November 15, when Eastern Christians celebrated the feast of the Apostle Philip. Hence it is sometimes called “the Saint Philip fast.”

– Monastery Journey to Christmas; Brother Victor-Antoine, D'Avila-Latourrette

BULLETIN INSERTS/THE YEAR OF FAITH. The fourth of a four-part series under the title “RENEW YOUR FAITH”, continues to be featured in today's Bulletin. The insert is provided and intended to reinforce the Year of Faith message and enliven family faith.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 1 st , 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. It is our Annual Children's Christmas party celebrating St. Nicholas Day. Once again, our Holy Name Society will provide a yummy breakfast for all of us to enjoy. The kids will make crafts and get ready for a special visitor. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Adults - $10.00 each, kids are Free!!! Contact Paulette Rude at 973.686.7747 or paulette.rude@tiffany.com for tickets and reservations.

A Friendly Reminder for those who have reservations… the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is one week away, November 18 th . Please remember that the bus leaves the Cathedral Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Today's Banquet For those who have been fortunate to secure tickets for today's Festive Banquet please know that the lower parking lot (off Market Street) will be open. The parking lot directly opposite the church on First Street can also be conveniently used.

BULLETIN INSERTS/THE YEAR OF FAITH. The third of a four-part series under the title “RENEW YOUR FAITH”, continues to be featured in today's Bulletin. The insert is provided and intended to reinforce the Year of Faith message and enliven family faith.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 1 st , 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. It is our Annual Children's Christmas party celebrating St. Nicholas Day. Once again, our Holy Name Society will provide a yummy breakfast for all of us to enjoy. The kids will make crafts and get ready for a special visitor. Bring your family, friends and neighbors. Adults - $10.00 each, kids are Free!!! Contact Paulette Rude at 973.686.7747 or paulette.rude@tiffany.com for tickets and reservations.

A Friendly Reminder for those who have reservations… the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is two weeks away, November 18 th . Please remember that the bus leaves the Cathedral Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders , NJ, welcomes everyone to their Fall Penny Auction, Friday, November 16 th , 2012. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $6.00. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

Broken To Make Space For Him! It is not always bad to be “broken.” Sometimes God has to break us a little in order to make space for Himself in our hearts to let the fragrance of His love pour into and out of us to others. Our hearts are like little fortified kingdoms where self and ego rules. Until they are broken there is no room for anything but our own passion, ambitions, and desires.

Jesus cannot set up His kingdom in the central part of us – our hearts – until there is an opening, until our hearts are broken. The break is what makes it possible for Jesus to enter and displace the selfishness in our hearts with His love. Broken through repentance to experience the beauty of God's peace. Broken in weakness to experience the power of God's strength. Broken through suffering to experience the sweetness of God's grace. Broken to be made more holy.

Our Eparchial Stewardship Update

Our Parish has a goal:

October 28, 2012

DON'T MISS THIS NEXT SUNDAY…

Sunday, November 4 th , 2012

Cathedral Auditorium, 1:00 p.m.

Please: tomorrow is the last day to reserve tickets

Adults: $15.00 Children (under 12): $5.00

BULLETIN INSERTS/THE YEAR OF FAITH. The second of a four-part series under the title “RENEW YOUR FAITH”, continues to be featured in today's Bulletin. The insert is provided and intended to reinforce the Year of Faith message and enliven family faith.

Divine Liturgy Requests The Liturgy calendar for 2013 is open. Place the name(s) of the intention and requested dates along with your name and phone and place it in the Offertory Basket.

TIME CHANGE! This coming Saturday evening please be sure to set your clocks BACK an hour “Spring Ahead, Fall Back.” Enjoy the extra hour of rest and be sure to be on time for next Sunday's Liturgy.

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

2012

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”

"Every act of giving is a reward unto itself. Each time we share our gifts with others, we are glorifying God and are working for the salvation of the world. This simple belief is at the center of our faith. As Catholics, we understand that serving others is our way of constantly placing God first in our lives. As we go in peace throughout our daily lives, we must seek ways in which we can return to God what He has given to us."

Our Parish goal is $30,400.00. To date, 46 households responded with a pledge total of $6,100.00

October 21, 2012

October is Respect Life Month!

Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty

WE NEED PRECIOUS HEARTS AND SOULS!!! Along with hearts and souls, our parish is in great need of dedicated VOICES for our choir! Please commit yourself to this most important aspect of parish life by attending a meeting/practice this Wednesday, the 24 th , 7:00 p.m. in the lower auditorium (Passaic).We need YOU and YOUR VOICE!!!

BULLETIN INSERTS/THE YEAR OF FAITH. A four-part, four-week series under the title “RENEW YOUR FAITH”, will be featured in our weekly Bulletin beginning today. This four-part series will focus on Prayer, the Liturgy, Evangelization and Outreach. This subscription is provided by Our Sunday Visitor newspaper and is intended to reinforce the Year of Faith message and enliven family faith.

A NOTE REGARDING OUR EPARCHIAL STEWARDSHIP APPEAL A new centralized database system has been inaugurated by our Chancery Office. In the event that you have not received the 2012 Stewardship Appeal letter and brochure or for any corrections, please call our Rectory.

Divine Liturgy Requests The Liturgy calendar for 2013 is open. Place the name(s) of the intention and requested dates along with your name and phone and place it in the Offertory Basket.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO Family Fun Day , hosted by our own parish Holy Name Society. It is Sunday, October 28 th , at the Stony Hill Corn Maze in Chester, NJ. It is an opportunity to come and relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and spend some quality time with your family and your parish family. Interested families can contact Pat Ditzig @ 973-773-5521. Departure will be from our Chapel in Woodland Park following the Sunday 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

October 14, 2012

October is Respect Life Month!

Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty

As United States citizens, we deplore the fact that our nation is at risk of forgetting the promise made to generations yet unborn by our Declaration of Independence: that our nation would respect life as first among the inalienable rights bestowed on us by our Creator: To uphold that promise, the nation's founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. We must do no less. - National Conference of Catholic Bishop

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO Family Fun Day , hosted by our own parish Holy Name Society. It is Sunday, October 28 th , at the Stony Hill Corn Maze in Chester, NJ. It is an opportunity to come and relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and spend some quality time with your family and your parish family. Interested families can contact Pat Ditzig @ 973-773-5521. Departure will be from our Chapel in Woodland Park following the Sunday 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

Paramus Catholic High School… cordially invites 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade students and their parents to visit during their Open House on Wednesday, October 17 th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

THE ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP OF OUR BYZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PASSAIC Every household of our Parish will receive Stewardship materials by mail; keep your eye on your mailbox. Carefully read the letter of Father Edward G. Cimbala, Administrator of our Eparchy of Passaic. Pray for guidance. Remember the Appeal serves our Eparchy and our Parish. Then, BEFORE you consider your commitment to the Appeal, LISTEN to the prompting of your heart. Last year we reached and went beyond our assigned goal and with your LOVE, UNERSTANDING and GENEROSITY, we hopefully will accomplish the same.

The Post Office ISSUES the 2012 Christmas Stamp. This year's Christmas stamp, The Holy Family, celebrates Christmas with a scene from the Nativity story that reminds us of the joys of the season: family, togetherness, and the birth of the baby Jesus. With your upcoming mailings

October 7, 2012

Today : Respect Life Sunday, October 7 th , 2012

Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty

WE PRAY: O God, who adorn creation with splendor and beauty and fashion human lives in your image and likeness, awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of human life.

We are not some casual or meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. – Pope Benedict XVI

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO Family Fun Day, hosted by our own parish Holy Name Society. It is Sunday, October 28 th , at the Stony Hill Corn Maze in Chester, NJ. It is an opportunity to come and relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and spend some quality time with your family and your parish family. Interested families can contact Pat Ditzig @ 973-773-5521. Departure will be from our Chapel in Woodland Park after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Our Parish Feastday Banquet: Sunday, November 4 th , 2012

1:00 p.m. / Cathedral Auditorium

Tickets available following Liturgies – ASAP Please

Deadline for tickets is October 29 th , 2012

REQUESTS FOR DIVINE LITURGIES The Liturgical Desk Calendar for

2013 has arrived. Special dates may now be arranged for Liturgy intentions. Please indicate (in writing) the Intention of the Liturgy, for the deceased or for the living; specify the date you request along with the name(s) requesting the Liturgy. Place this information, along with your customary offering, in an envelope marked “2013 Liturgy Requests”. Either mail or place this information in our Offertory basket. To insure that your requests are given proper attention that they deserve, please place them in written form.

The Year of Faith is intended to contribute to a renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the risen Lord in the world of today – capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the ‘door of faith.'

September 30, 2012

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE For the month of October, the Cathedral Sanctuary candle is lit in Loving Memory of +Mary Herina , requested by Daughter, Georgia.

“For as many of you as have been baptized

into Christ have been clothed in Christ.” – Gal 3:27.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today following 11:00 a.m. Chapel Liturgy for the Servants of God, Maya (new born daughter of Sviatoslav & Yekaterina Bouttchenko) and Sophia (new born daughter of Marko & Lubomira Stieber). May the parents, along with their “Gifts from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love & grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

REQUESTS FOR DIVINE LITURGIES The Liturgical Desk Calendar for 2013 has arrived. Special dates may now be arranged for Liturgy intentions. Please indicate (in writing) the Intention of the Liturgy, for the deceased or for the living; specify the date you request along with the name(s) requesting the Liturgy. Place this information, along with your customary offering, in an envelope marked “2013 Liturgy Requests”. Either mail or place this information in our Offertory basket. To insure that your requests are given proper attention that they deserve, please place them in written form.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO Family Fun Day, hosted by our own parish Holy Name Society. It is Sunday, October 21 st, at the Stony Hill Corn Maze in Chester, NJ. It is an opportunity to come and relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and spend some quality time with your family and your parish family. Interested families can contact Pat Ditzig at 973-773-5521. Departure will be from our Chapel in Woodland Park after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

“Bible and Beer” – Bible studies, for people between the age 21 and 30, are held every Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. at Maggies Town Tavern (10 Van Ness Ave., Little Falls). Come & enjoy spiritual studies & reflections. For more information please contact Mark Hrehovcik at 973.632.0339

PARAMUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL… cordially invites 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade students and their parents to visit us during one of our Open Houses today, Sunday September 30 th , from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and Wednesday, October 17 th from 7:00 -9:00 p.m. The school is located at 425 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 201.445.4466 ext. 104

St. Mary's Tricky Tray Auction – St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough will present a Tricky Tray Auction on Friday, October 5, 2012. Over 100 gift certificates and many prizes including 42” TV, outdoor grill, Kindle, appliances, theme baskets, food, 50/50. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Auction begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 which includes one sheet of tickets, delicious desserts, coffee, and tea. Stuffed cabbage, kielbasi, and sauerkraut sandwiches, baked ziti, hotdogs, hamburgers, soda, and water can be purchased, so came early. For more information call Betty at 908.782.8325 or Marge at 908.722.5894.

September 23, 2012

We prepare ourselves for…

A Year of Faith proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

beginning on October 11, 2012 and ending on November 24, 2013)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Our Prayerful congratulations to our Parishioners celebrating a special wedding anniversary this year. They join Fr. Ed Cimbala at today's special Marriage Divine Liturgy and celebration at St. Mary's Church, Hillsborough, NJ.

TODAY: The 35 th Annual New Jersey Slovak Heritage Festival - Doors open at 10 a.m. Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking. Roman Catholic Liturgy in Slovak at 11:00 a.m . Cultural Program at 2:00 p.m. All day: Soccer Tournament, Children's Entertainment, Slovak Ethnic food and Refreshments. PNC Arts Center is located off exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel, NJ. All are welcome to attend!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO Family Fun Day, hosted by our own parish Holy Name Society. It is Sunday, October 21 st, at the Stony Hill Corn Maze in Chester, NJ. It is an opportunity to come and relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather and spend some quality time with your family and your parish family. Interested families can contact Pat Ditzig @ 973-773-5521. Departure will be from our Chapel in Woodland Park after the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

Here's A “Bird's Eye” View Of Our Celebration Raffle. First of all, the biggest THANK YOU is shared with our Parishioners and many, many friends for the remarkable response to our 50/50 Raffle! It is truly inspiring to know that 86% of our registered Parishioners participated with this fund-raising. What is heart-warming is that lots tickets were sold! And, of course, according to our State regulated raffle permit. ONCE AGAIN: PROFOUND THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATED!

NEXT WEEKEND: WOMEN OF FAITH A special Retreat for Women, will take place at St. Mary's Villa, Sloatsburg, New York, September 28 th – 30 th , 2012. This Retreat is jointly sponsored by our Cathedral Parish and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Passaic. Additional details of this Retreat are included in a special flyer available in the Church and Chapel vestibules. Please consider this wonderful opportunity for spiritual enrichment !

“Bible and Beer” – Bible studies, for people between the age 21 and 30, are held every Thursday evening from 7:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. at Maggies Town Tavern (10 Van Ness Ave., Little Falls). Come & enjoy spiritual studies & reflections.

THEY LEFT EVERYTHING In 1986 a severe drought left the lake (or “Sea”) of Galilee at its lowest point in recorded history. Members of Kibbutz Ginosar (or Gennosar), a Jewish commune, discovered the outlines of an ancient boat buried in the now uncovered mud of the lake. After much care and preparation the boat was removed. It was found to date to the 1 st century A.D. In today's gospel we read that Jesus called his first disciples, “they left everything and followed him.” Some believe that the boat found in 1986 could be one of them. They scuttled their boats to follow Jesus.

September 16, 2012

Thank You for sharing your time with our Parish Family as we Celebrate this Annual Parish Festival

Our hard-working, dedicated Parishioners, and Friends of St. Michael's, have labored long and hard in preparing for this year's celebration. We are confident that their Labor of Love will provide a joyful and impressive experience for you. God Bless You for sharing your presence and your friendship with the Parish Family of St. Michael's! Indeed, Our Lord has brought you here!!

Big, Beautiful Chrysanthems Beautiful splendid Mums, direct from our South Jersey grower may be picked up from our Chapel grounds. Pick these magnificent plants.

Joy to you, precious Cross of the Lord! Joy to you, most honorable Cross of the Lord! …You are a sign of joy indeed, and of terror to our spiritual enemies; you are the help of Christians… a staff of power to your people and a source of peace. Around you the angels gather in awe; you are the glory of Christ who grants great mercy to the world. - Vespers of the Exaltation

“COME AND SEE”… Young men 18-25 are invited to a FREE weekend retreat, Friday thru Sunday, October 5-6-7 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. No pressure, no hype, no boring lectures. Just recreation, relaxation, talking to God (a.k.a. prayer) – and the opportunity to really listen to his voice and plan your life. This worthwhile retreat of discovery in no way implies any future commitment, other than your commitment to truly be yourself. There is no expense involved in participating in this retreat except for travel – and of course your time, which certainly will prove to be well worth the effort. See Fr. Marcel to sign up for this FREE overnighter weekend.

We prepare ourselves for…

A Year of Faith proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

beginning on October 11, 2012 and ending on November 24, 2013)

WOMEN OF FAITH A special Retreat for Women, will take place at St. Mary's Villa, Sloatsburg, New York, September 28 th – 30 th , 2012. This Retreat is jointly sponsored by our Cathedral Parish and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Passaic. Additional details of this Retreat are included in a special flyer available in the Church and Chapel vestibules. Please consider this wonderful opportunity for spiritual enrichment!

September 9, 2012

We prepare ourselves for…

A Year of Faith proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Beginning on October 11, 2012 and ending on November 24, 2013)

WOMEN OF FAITH A special Retreat for Women, will take place at St. Mary's Villa, Sloatsburg, New York, September 28 th – 30 th , 2012. This Retreat is jointly sponsored by our Cathedral Parish and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Passaic. Additional details of this Retreat are included in a special flyer available in the Church and Chapel vestibules. Please consider this wonderful opportunity for spiritual enrichment!

OUR PRAYERFUL CONDOLENCES The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated this past Friday for +Nina Kotuba. A good and faithful daughter of St. Michael's, she has fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection to Eternal Life. May the light of our Lord's face watch over our dear +Nina Kotuba. May her Memory be made Eternal!

You Are Cordially Invited to

St. Michael's Annual Parish Festival

St. Michael Chapel grounds: 415 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Friday & Saturday, Sunday, (Rain or Shine)

September 14 th and 15 th, 2012 September 16 th, 2012

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 12:00 Noon – 6:00 p.m.

Bless the students Dear Lord Jesus, bless the children and youth of our Parish, returning to their schools and colleges. May your Holy Spirit enlighten their minds, purify their vision and strengthen their wills. Protect them as they learn in the classroom and participate in activities outside it. May they learn to follow in your steps, just as you grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Amen.

RAFFLE UPDATE!!!!!

TICKETS SOLD TO DATE: 1 +++++++......

  RIGHT NOW, EACH OF THE FIVE PRIZES IS WORTH $$$$$$!

Irene Vasil indeed has additional tickets should you need them.

Please dial 973.471.9146: Irene will mail you all the tickets you need.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR RAFFLE. SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISH WHO SELL TICKETS TO FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS!

THE LATEST ISSUE OF “ONE”. Two excellent articles of interest appear in the most recent issue of “ONE” are “The Slovak Greek Catholic Church” and “Scattered Sheep”. Your copy of “ONE” is available in the vestibules of the Cathedral and Chapel.

September 2, 2012

We prepare ourselves for…

A Year of Faith proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

beginning on October 11, 2012 and ending on November 24, 2013)

On the lighter side : College correspondence

Dear Dad,

$chool i$ really great. I'm making lot$ of friend$ and $tudying very hard. With all my $tuff, I $imply can't think of anything I need. $o if you'd like, you can ju$t $end me a card, a$ I'd love to hear from you. Love, Your $on

Reply: I kNOw that astroNOmy, ecoNOmics and oceaNOgraphy are eNOugh to keep even an hoNOr student busy. Do NOt forget that the pursuit of kNOwledge is a NOble task, and you can never study eNOugh. Dad

The joy of work How do we know if we are doing the work we are meant (or called) to do? The clue is whether we feel joy when we carry out our daily duties. There is no joy, if we agonize daily because our particular laboring leaves us unfulfilled and restless. Our mental and spiritual health might demand a change.

Christians believe that God has a plan for our lives. God has given us talents to do certain work. When we are not doing the tasks we are suited for, we will probably be in some misery.

Workers who delight in their jobs can hardly wait to be productive. Many who love their work find joy in what they accomplish and are able to say, “I'm glad that I'm able to serve God through my work.” —Charles Ferrell

RAFFLE UPDATE

TICKETS SOLD TO DATE:

RIGHT NOW, EACH OF THE FIVE PRIZES IS WORTH $$$$$!

Irene Vasil indeed has additional tickets should you need them.

Please dial 973.471.9146: Irene will mail you all the tickets you need.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR RAFFLE. SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISH WHO SELL TICKETS TO FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS!

…remembering before our God and Father

your work of faith and labor of love… - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

August 26, 2012

AN OUTPOURING OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY! T o each and everyone that offered food items for the less fortunate: GOD BLESS YOU! Today is the last day of our 2-month long parish ministry and Christian concern for the needy. I thank God for each of you, the Faithful of St. Michael's, for your unmistakable and bold expression of what it means to be a “follower of Christ”.

“ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ.” – Gal 3:27.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today for the Servant of God, Laurel Josephine DeMuth, new-born daughter of Robert and Jennifer DeMuth. May Robert and Jennifer, along with their “Gift from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

AN ANGEL ALERT……. OUR FESTIVAL/PICNIC IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT YOUR HOME-BAKED GOODS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO THE GUESTS THAT ATTEND OUR ANNUAL AFFAIR. NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN YOUR SPECIAL RECIPIES AND BEGIN BAKING & FREEZING (if necessary). THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR PRECIOUS HEARTS AND HANDS !

CHRYSANTHEMUMS WILL BE HEADING OUR WAY Splendid Mums for our Picnic/Festival will be highlighted at our affair. Please pass the word around for these magnificent plants.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE… A careful response: A candidate for Congress called upon his minister for his support in the coming election. “Before I give you my decision,” said the man of cloth, “let me ask you a question. Do you partake of intoxicating beverages?” “Before I reply,” said the candidate, “tell me, is this an inquiry or an invitation?”

RAFFLE UPDATE!

MANY TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD TO DATE

  RIGHT NOW, EACH OF THE FIVE PRIZES IS WORTH A Lot !

Irene Vasil indeed has additional tickets should you need them.

Please dial 973.471.9146: Irene will mail you all the tickets you need.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR RAFFLE. SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO THE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISH WHO SELL TICKETS TO FAMILY, NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS!

Let's Get Ready…

OUR ANNUAL PARISH FESTIVAL – September 14 th , 15 th & 16 th

Here's how you can help...

•  Pass the word around! Tell your friends and neighbors about our wonderful event.

•  Home Baked Goods! Prepare your specialty baked items for all to enjoy.

•  New Gifts! Donations of small and large prizes for the Basket Raffle.

•  Donations! Monetary gifts toward Festival expenses would be a great help.

•  Your Precious Help! Think about volunteering to assist during Festival days.

August 19, 2012

Christian Homes Don't Just Happen – They're Built

WOMEN OF FAITH A special Retreat for Women, will take place at St. Mary's Villa, Sloatsburg, New York, September 28 th – 30 th , 2012. This Retreat is jointly sponsored by our Cathedral Parish and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Passaic. Additional details of this Retreat are included in a special flyer available in the Church and Chapel vestibules. Please consider this wonderful opportunity for spiritual enrichment !

OUR RAFFLE IS GROWING AND GROWING! By your enthusiasm and wonderful support our 50/50 Raffle continues to show signs of striking growth! May God bless the good will and initiative of our Faithful for your exemplary support! Please know that ADDITIONAL TICKETS which you may sell for friends , neighbors and co-workers are available following weekend Divine Liturgies. If you would like tickets mailed to your home, please give Irene Vasil a call at 973.471.9146. So far a ticket have been sold and IF OUR RAFFLE WERE HELD TODAY, EACH OF THE FIVE WINNERS WOULD RECEIVE something.......

Lord, bless my work today and every day.

Help me do each task – one step at a time.

Help me respond to individual needs of each person.

Help me treat others as I would like to be treated

Golden Hearts are always ready to help! Our Parish Picnic/Festival is just around the corner… People come from far and near to our annual affair and they come because they well know our baked goods are of superior quality. Please keep our Parish affair close to your heart and prepare your best and favorite baked items.

Today's Gospel Reading [Jesus said to a young man who kept the commandments faithfully,] “To be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor…; then come and follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was very rich.” Matthew 19:21-22.

How do I know if God is calling me to a special kind of Christian perfection?

The happiest people in the world are those who have found the life task to which they have been called… [And the unhappiest]are those who have not even begun to search.

August 12, 2012

FLOWERS AND MORE FLOWERS FOR OUR HEAVENLY QUEEN. The ancient custom of bringing flowers and herbs to be blessed arose from the tradition that fragrant flowers were found in the tomb of the Blessed Virgin Mary following her Assumption into heaven. Wednesday, August 15 th is the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, be sure to bring bunches of flowers and even various herbs for this traditional blessing following each of the Divine Liturgies. In turn, your blessed flowers can also be shared with those who are home-bound or in convalescent homes.

Busy Picnic/Festival Days are upon us!

First of all, let us confirm our prayer, our energies and dedicated hearts and hands to the wonderful task of our Annual Picnic/Festival on September 14 th , 15 th and 16 th . PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

•  PIROHI PROJECT IS THIS WEEK; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, in the Lower Cathedral Hall.

Please share your hearts, hands and energy for this important project. WE NEED YOU!!!!!!!

•  YOUR DONATED HOME-BAKED PASTRIES. Now is the time to prepare your SPECIALTY baked items for the 3-day festivities.

•  NEW GIFTS. Donations of large and small prizes for the ‘Basket Raffle are always appreciated.

•  PASS THE WORD AROUND. Tell your friends and neighbors…call them up and promote our wonderful event.

•  DONATIONS for Picnic expenses, especially the Children's Games would be a great help.

•  YOUR PRECIOUS HELP. Please sign your name on the ‘VOLUNTEER SIGN UP SHEET located in the vestibule of Chapel and Cathedral.

We continually remember before our God and Father Your work produced by faith - - 1 Thess. 1:3

REMEMBER OUR PARISH RAFFLE!!!

Your continued help by selling extra tickets is a blessing to us! So far, a few Tickets were sold! Each Winner would receive something if the Raffle were held today.

August 5, 2012

TODAY, A MONASTERY PILGRIMAGE FOR PEACE. The Franciscan Friars at Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA, cordially invite you to their Pilgrimage for Peace. Archbishop, William C. Skurla will be the celebrant of the 4:00 p.m. Hierarchial Divine Liturgy. The day will offer food stands along with Concerts of Traditional & Spiritual Hymns, Moleben Service and an opportunity for Confessions. Sybertsville Pennsylvania is only an hour and a half away. Please join the Fathers for a Day of Prayer and Celebration.

Only three more Sundays left….

St. Michael's Annual Food Drive

“FEED MY SHEEP,” Our Lord tells this not only to the Apostle Peter but also to us. During the month of August, our Annual Food Drive continues for the Poor and Needy. Please remember the less fortunate by picking up something extra when food shopping. Please bring non-perishable items and leave them in the vestibule of the Cathedral or Chapel. Help to fulfill the mission given to us by Our Lord to “feed His sheep.”

FESTIVAL POSTER AVAILABLE! Thanks to the effort and kindness of Raquel Booth a new and different poster now available for you to place in your neighborhood stores. Please be sure to ask permission for displaying the poster. Now is the crucial time to participate in advertising our Parish Festival.

THIS COMING SATURDAY, AUGUST 11 TH The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Sloatsburg, NY invite us to their Annual Pilgrimage in honor of the Mother of God. The theme of this year's pilgrimage is The Vibrant Parish – a place to encounter the Living Christ.” The 5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Fr. Edward Cimbala and the responses will be sung by our Cathedral Choir. There will be a Moleben Service at 8:00 p.m. with a candlelight procession.

PICNIC/FESTIVAL REMINDER: HOME-BAKED GOODS ARE A TREMENDOUS ADDITION TO OUR ANNUAL PICNIC. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THE DAYS OF ST. MICHAEL'S PICNIC AND PREPARE TO SHARE YOUR BEST BAKED GOODS!! AMEN!!

OUR RAFFLE UPDATE So far, Tickets were sold! Each Winner would receive money if the Raffle were held today. Sell tickets by calling on Friends or out-of-town relatives! Let's “Shake a Stick!!”

July 29, 2012

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today at 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Church for the Servant of God, Lilliana, new born daughter of Slavomir and Victoria Boksa. May Victoria and Slavomir, along with their “Gift from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ! The Slavomir and Victoria Family have registered as new parishioners of St. Michael's.

THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE (Chapel) This coming Saturday, August 4 th at 2:30 p.m. the Rite of Christian Marriage will be celebrated for the servants of God, Kevin James Stolz & Casey Ashley Sandola

(Choir members: your presence is vitally important).

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN…..

Parents teach their children by example:

When they congratulate a competitor who won the contest they had hoped to win.

When they control their tempers around drivers who don't.

When they discuss family finances in a sensible way.

When they don't give up on a do-it-yourself project that didn't turn out.

When they prepare a meal to deliver to a sick friend.

When they don't look down on a person who is poor.

When they settle family differences without raising their voices.

When they show appreciation for a wildflower of a beautiful sunset.

When they don't form instant impressions of people who are different from themselves.

When they consider going to Church an important and natural part of their lives.

Pope Says Sunday Liturgy Essential To Catholic Life, Charity VATICAN CITY – Participation at Sunday Liturgy and reception of the Eucharist are central to the life of Catholics because they are a clear expression of belief in the sacrifice of Christ, they create community and motivate charity, Pope Benedict XVI said. “In our day, people don't love the word ‘sacrifice,' which seems to belong to another age and another way of understanding life. However, when it is properly understood, it remains fundamental because it reveals how much God, in Christ, loves us,” the pope said.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: In a few short weeks the children of St. Michael's will be engaged with Christian Formation classes at our Chapel facility. PARENTS: PLEASE BE CERTAIN TO SUBMIT A REGISTRATION FORM available to you in Chapel and Church vestibules.

July 22, 2012

A REFLECTION FOR THE FEAST OF THE HOLY PROPHET ELIJAH (Celebrated on July 20 th)

When the prophet Elijah lived of Mount Carmel—narrates a Hebrew legend—he was in the habit of leaving his grotto every so often to walk along the mountain and to pray to God. He never carried food with him, fully confiding in Divine providence. Our Byzantine Icon of Elijah the Prophet always depicts the Saint along with a raven with a piece of bread in his beak that brought him food. One day, continues the story, he found himself passing through a field of delicious melons. Having asked the proprietor permission to taste one, he received in reply only mockery: These aren't melons, said the owner making fun of him, but only loose stones! In reply, the Prophet angrily pronounced a curse on the field and immediately the fruits were transformed, changed into many tiny oval stones, scattered on the ground. This legend, which explains in a fantastic way the origin of certain characteristic mineral forms still visible today on the slopes of Mount Carmel, is only one of the many examples of how the Hebrew tradition would have known to keep alive its relationship with the figure of the Prophet Elijah, often viewed in strict relation to the geographical environment of Mount Carmel.

Raffle Update

The prizes keep growing

So far many tickets have been sold and IF OUR RAFFLE WERE HELD TODAY, EACH OF THE FIVE WINNERS WOULD RECEIVE $MONEY!

If you would like tickets mailed to your home, please give Irene Vasil a call at 973.471.9146 .

SECOND FESTIVAL/PICNIC MEETING

Please come to our Cathedral Lower Hall in Passaic tomorrow, that's Monday at 7:00 p.m.

“Our love is a need.
God's love a gift.”

- Thomas Merton, the Monk

July 15, 2012

Our Christian Sympathy . Prayerful condolences are shared with the family of a precious soul of St. Michael's who was recently called to Eternal Life. The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated yesterday for Margaret Vargo who moved to Pennsylvania several years ago. Now, may the Light of our Lord's face watch over Margaret and reward her for her living faith in Jesus Christ!

Our Food Drive continues

Open hands can give…

Open eyes can care…

Open minds can learn…

Open hearts can share.

During the months of July and August we have the opportunity to share our blessings with the less fortunate. Please pick up additional non-perishable food items the next time you're grocery shopping. Please bring the items and leave them in the vestibule of the Cathedral or Chapel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

OUR RAFFLE IS GROWING AND GROWING! By your enthusiasm and wonderful support our 50/50 Raffle continues to show signs of striking growth! May God bless the good will and initiative of our Faithful for your exemplary support! Please know that ADDITIONAL TICKETS which you may sell to friends, neighbors and co-workers are available following weekend Divine Liturgies. If you would like tickets mailed to your home, please give Irene Vasil a call at 973.471.9146. So far 889 tickets have been sold and IF OUR RAFFLE WERE HELD TODAY, EACH OF THE FIVE WINNERS WOULD RECEIVE money!

LET'S GET READY FOR THE PICNIC/FESTIVAL! Monday, according to some statistics, is the best day of the week for meetings. Well, tomorrow being Monday is a perfect day for our FIRST Picnic meeting. We need YOU for the preparations of our annual affair. Please come to our Cathedral Lower Hall in Passaic tomorrow, that's Monday at 7:00 p.m.

July 8, 2012

A Summer Reflection: “Love all God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. And once you have perceived it, you will begin to comprehend it ceaselessly, more and more everyday. And you will at last come to love the whole world with an abiding universal love. Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and untroubled joy. Do not therefore trouble it, do not torture them, do not deprive them of their joy, do not go against God's intent.” - Fyodor Mikhail Dostoevsky

RAFFLE, RAFFLE, RAFFLE NEWS….. Our Parish Raffle is expanding daily!....and the FIVE grand prizes are GROWING! Now's the time to encourage family members, friends, store and business owners to join in our celebration raffle. Call a relative or friends and ask if they would buy or sell our tickets. To date, 778 tickets were sold and each prize is now $389.00! God Bless all supporters of our Celebration Raffle!

“What other life can there be without knowledge of the Scriptures , for through these Christ himself, who is the life of the faithful, becomes known. What food, what honey can be sweeter than to learn of God's wise plan, to enter into God's sanctuary and have upon the mind of the creator, and to rehearse the words of your Lord, which are full of spiritual wisdom!”

- St. Jerome

July 1, 2012

“The challenge facing you, dear friends, is to increase people's awareness of the importance of religious freedom for society; to defend that freedom against those who would take religion out of the public domain and establish secularism as America's official faith.”

- Blessed John Paul II, Baltimore, October 8, 1995

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:9-13

June 24, 2012

Our 50/50 Celebration Raffle. We've just begun….we're only at the beginning line. Each and every week our Bulletin will provide an update of the number of tickets sold. So, to date, tickets have been sold and returned. IF our Raffle were held now, each of the five winners would receive $$$$$. Please be mindful that the greater number of tickets sold increases the prizes to be awarded. Additional tickets are available from Irene Vasil following our week-end Liturgies or you may call her at 973.471.9146. I encourage the faithful of our Parish to have extra tickets available to sell to your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

APPRECIATION IS SHARED. The Holy Name Society extends special thanks to all who attended the Father's Day Breakfast last Sunday. Also, on that occasion, our Frl. Jody was the recipient of the Holy Name's “Man of the Year” award…and our prayerful congratulations are very much in order!!

The Birth of St. John the Baptist John had the privilege to announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior, and to prepare Christ's way by his ministry of preaching and baptism. John was Israel's definitive prophet, the precursor of the Messiah. Of John, St. Augustine said, “As a representative of the past, he is born of aged parents; as a herald of the new era, he is declared to be a prophet while still in his mother's womb… these are divine happenings, going beyond the limits of our human frailty.”

June 17, 2012

Your help with selling or buying Raffle Tickets is a blessing to our Cathedral Parish and to the five lucky winners!

For additional tickets please call our Raffle Chairperson, Irene Vasil at 973.471.9146

FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM The Catholic Bishops of the United States have called for a “Fortnight for Freedom,” a fourteen day period of prayer, education and action in support of religious freedom,

from June 21 to July 4, 2012. The two weeks, the fortnight, are to be a great hymn of prayer for our country.

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE… O ne evening, while sitting around the dinner table, a little girl looked up and asked her father, "Daddy, you're the boss, right?" Her father was very pleased by this and replied, "Yes." Then, the little girl continued, "That's because mommy put you in charge, right?"

WITH OUR PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY +Peter Korotky was called to Eternal Life. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at our Cathedral on Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. May Our Divine Lord, who gifted + Peter Korotky with a life, now grant him rest in his eternal home where the light of Our Lord's face watches over him. Blessed Repose, Eternal Memory, Christ is Risen!

THE SISTERS WELCOME YOU! The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Sloatsburg, NY, cordially extend an invitation to join them in their ANNUAL SSMI CALENNDAR PARTY, Sunday, June 24 th , 2012 at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. RESERVATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!! Please call in your reservation: 845-753-2840.

June 10, 2012

GUESS WHO'S 25 th ANNIVERSARY IT IS??? This year we mark the 25 th Anniversary of the Solemn Blessing and Dedication of our Chapel in Woodland Park. One way of marking this event in the life of our Cathedral Parish is by sponsoring a CELEBRATION 50/50 Raffle, similar to the raffle which took place two years ago marking the 120 th of our Parish. Please keep your careful watch this week at your mailbox for this special mailing of raffle tickets for our Parish, especially mindful of our beautiful Chapel and grounds in Woodland Park. The kindness of your support for this fund-raising project is most appreciated. Thank you for your understanding and for your precious helping hearts and hands!!!

THE SISTERS WELCOME YOU! The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Sloatsburg, NY, cordially extend an invitation to join them in their ANNUAL SSMI CALENNDAR PARTY, Sunday, June 24 th , 2012 at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. RESERVATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!! Please call in your reservation: 845-753-2840.

TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR ARE NOW SOLD OUT: However, Pat Ditzig will take your name on a “waiting list” (first come, first serve basis) for any cancellations that may occur. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

A PARISH MILESTONE: This week marks the 6 th Anniversary of our website. In large part we are grateful to Sue Sadiv for her professionalism in maintaining our site.

Stars and stripes Since the early 1800s various groups have observed a day to display the American flag. Presidents Woodrow Wilson (in 1916) and Calvin Coolidge (in 1927) issued proclamations marking June 14 as National Flag Day. But it wasn't until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved June 14 as a day of national observance. President Harry Truman signed it into law.

The American flag has changed designs more than any other flag in the world. In fact, the United States didn't have a standardized flag until 1912! And even after standardization, the flag changed three more times with the addition of new stars representing new states.

June 3 , 2012

THE SISTERS WELCOME YOU! The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Sloatsburg, NY, cordially extend an invitation to join them in their ANNUAL SSMI CALENNDAR PARTY, Sunday, June 24 th , 2012 at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. RESERVATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!!! Please call in your reservation: 845-753-2840.

Our Christian Sympathy. Prayerful condolences are shared with the families of two precious souls of St. Michael's recently called to Eternal Life. The Rites of Christian Burial were celebrated this past week for Margery Dubnanse (aka) Margaret Dubnansky and Anne S. Gera. Now, may the Light of our Lord's face watch over Margaret and Anne and reward them for their living faith in Jesus Christ!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR TIME??? There are a number of jobs in an around our Parish in Passaic and also at our Chapel in Woodland Park. IF there are any volunteers for odd jobs, please give me a phone call and you can bet that I'll find a perfect job for you for a couple hours. Anyway, it may be a blessing for you to get out of the house for a few hours and do something good for the Lord!

Byzantine Daily Office. For the iTunes and other audio download websites, the albums of the Daily Office cannot be found with the text “ECP-EDO” as indicated in the flier. You must use “Byzantine Daily Office” instead to search those websites. Bishop Gerald Dino of Phoenix said this of these new resources: “I think this a great service that will inspire priests and lay persons to pray more than just daily Divine Liturgy… I remember that Bishop Fulton J. Sheen always attributed the success of his weekly TV show to the fact that he always spent one hour each day (outside of his daily Mass) in front of the Blessed Sacrament praying.” You can also find more information about the BDO at: www.ecpubs.com/daily-office.html .

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER Well, the preparation for Christmas Spectacular are now being made. Pat Ditzig, our ECF Coordinator, has reserved tickets for the Christmas Show at Radio City Musical Hall, New York City, on Sunday, November 18 th , 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Entrance tickets and transportation by chartered bus (from our Chapel parking lot) are a package deal of $62.00. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521

May 27, 2012

The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. There is no law against such things as these… The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. -Galatians, 5:22-25

BE BIGGER THAN YOU ARE

Before Columbus set sail from Spain into the unknown, it was believed that the world ended not far beyond Gibraltar. Indeed, this belief was expressed in the Spanish royal motto which read, “Ne Plus Ultra,” meaning “There is no more beyond here.” But when Columbus returned, he had actually found a whole new world out there. This made the royal motto meaningless, until Queen Isabella simply eliminated the first word. Thus, the motto became, “Plus Ultra,” meaning “There is plenty more beyond.”

Receive the Holy Spirit and you will discover there is plenty more beyond! Receive the Holy Spirit and you will discover that your pilgrimage is taking you somewhere. Receive the Holy Spirit and begin to see yourself clearly as one of God's beautiful, unique works of art, in progress! Receive the Holy Spirit and trust yourself to God, as he shapes and forms and molds you, and moves you toward perfection!

WITH PRAYERFUL APPRECIATION! Our Religious Ed Program Director, Pat Ditzig, extends very special thanks to the many good people who gave support and patronized the recent ECF Program Flower Sale.

God Bless all of our patrons for remembering that “Flowers are the Smile of God!”

AND THE ANSWER IS …… from last week's Bulletin Quiz: Answer “B”; Jeremiah; see Jeremiah 1:4-10.

May 20, 2012

When you had fulfilled the plan of salvation
for us and united the earthly with the
heavenly, you were taken up in glory, O
Christ our God. Never parting from us but
remaining constantly, you proclaim to those
who love you: I am with you and no one can
be against you.

Jesus departs from the earth, drawing his disciples to the mountain where he commissions them to go out into the world, make disciples, baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Spirit (the first time the Trinity is clearly mentioned in the gospel) and to teach all that he has commanded us to do. The community was sent to wait, as he left them, to send them the gift of the Spirit that would bind them together in him, teaching them and preparing them to go boldly into the world, as the Father had sent him into the world, to us. They are found waiting together to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And WE wait, again as Church, as communities and believers for the Spirit to be given again so that the power of God may move in us and in the world in which we live.

OUR PRAYERFUL CONDOLENCES. Our faithful parishioner of St. Michael's, Sophie Tenyo, was called to Eternal Life this past week. We are confident that Our Lord will grant Sophie a resting place, a place where the light of his face now watches over her, and may her Memory be made eternal!

MEMORIAL DAY CEMETERY SERVICES. ST. MICHAEL'S CEMETERY: 9:OO a.m. and St. Peter's Cemetery, approximately 10:00 a.m.

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, and You delighted the disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through this blessing, they were assured that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.

WE REMEMBER OUR BELOVED DECEASED IN PRAYER. The Fifth and final All Souls Saturday is May 26 th . Be sure that you attend the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy on All Souls Saturday in the Cathedral Church.

Bible Quiz One Old Testament prophet believed that God had consecrated consecrated him to be his spokesman even before his birth. He wrote: “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Choose the correct prophet from the list below.

A. Amos B. Jeremiah C. Micah (The answer in next week's Bulletin)

May 13, 2012

We Pray: Lord, look with merciful eyes upon our humble and earnest petition which we fervently offer to You today in behalf of all our Mothers. Shower Your heavenly graces upon them. Grant that they may always behold the joy of their children and their children's children. Fill them with that same maternal love that our most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary showed to Your Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to You, Heavenly Master, on this Special Day honoring our Mothers, to graciously hear us and have mercy on them! – We wish all Mothers of our Parish, about to be Mothers, and would-be Mothers and Godmothers a Happy and Blessed Mother's Day! God Bless and Protect Each and Every One of You!

CHRISTMAS IN MAY? Well, the preparation for Christmas Spectacular are now being made. Pat Ditzig, our ECF Coordinator, has reserved tickets for the Christmas Show at Radio City Musical Hall, New York City, on Sunday, November 18 th , 2012 at 4:00 p.m. Entrance tickets and transportation by chartered bus (from our Chapel parking lot) are a package deal of $62.00. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

Cemetery Services on Memorial Day On Monday, May 28 th, at 9:00 am at St. Michael's Cemetery and 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Cemetery in Lodi. You may list the name(s) you care to have remembered at this Service and place the information in our Offertory basket. We remember our men and women in uniform who have died in the service of our Nation.

Jesus said, “I pray not only for my disciples, but also for those who believe in me… I pray that they may all be one” - John 17:20-21

•  I pray because I'm a Christian, and to do what a Christian must do I need strength.

•  I pray because there is much confusion in my life, and to do what is right I need light.

•  I pray because I have doubts, and to keep growing in my faith I need help.

•  I pray because I must make decisions, but the choices are not always clear, so I need guidance.

•  I pray because most of what I have has been given to me, and I ought to give thanks.

•  I pray because Jesus prayed, and if he considered it important, so should I.

Which of the above do I relate to most?

May 6, 2012

APPRECIATION TO WORKERS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!! Our Parish is truly blessed with dedicated kitchen workers who continue to provide excellent specialty items, Nut & Poppy Rolls which were made and sold just prior to Easter. We offer our hard-working kitchen staff our profound appreciation for their remarkable accomplishments! God bless each of these precious souls for their hearts, hands, energy and living faith by continuing this important endeavor in our Parish.

Archbishop William C. Skurla on your television today A repeat of Archbishop's Installation ceremony will air on EWTN today at 1:30 p.m.

From The Office of our Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. A notice was received from the Very Rev. Robert J. Hospodar, J.C.L. Chancellor of our Eparchy as follows: “On Monday, April 23, 2012 the College of Eparchial Consultors met and in accordance with the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, Very Rev. Edward G. Cimbala, D. Min., was elected Eparchial Administrator. Father Cimbala accepted his election that day. In his first Memorandum as Eparchial Administrator dated May 3 rd , Fr. Cimbala writes: “Please insert the following petition in the Litany after the Gospel. Let us all pray for the selection of our new Bishop: Loving Lord, look down with merciful eyes on your servants involved in the selection of our new eparchial bishop, bless their good intentions and their work, grant that they may favorably begin and complete their work for your glory, we pray, O Good Shepherd, hear us and have mercy.” Accordingly, this special petition will be prayed at each and every Divine Liturgy celebrated in our Cathedral Church and Chapel until the day that a new Bishop has been appointed for our Eparchy.

A mother's patience A man observed a woman in the grocery store with a 3-year-old girl in her basket. As they passed the cookie section, the child asked for cookies and her mother told her “No.”
The little girl immediately began to whine and fuss. The mother said quietly, “Now, Ellen, we just have a few more aisles to go; don't be upset. It won't be long.”

The man passed the mother again in the candy aisle. Of course, the little girl began to shout for candy. When she was told she couldn't have any, she began to cry.

The mother said, “There, there, Ellen, don't cry. Only two more aisles to go, and then we'll be checking out.” Later, the man happened to be behind the pair at the checkout, where the little girl immediately began to clamor for gum and burst into a terrible tantrum upon discovering there would be no gum purchased today. The mother patiently said, “Ellen, we'll be through this checkout stand in five minutes, and then you can go home and have a nice nap.”

The man decided to compliment the mother. “I couldn't help noticing how patient you were with little Ellen.” “Ellen?” said the mother, “I'm Ellen. My little girl's name is Tammy!”

April 29, 2012

WITH PRAYERFUL APPRECIATION. Profound gratitude is shared with our entire parish family as well as with our many benefactors for the love and generosity which was shown in the Easter Offertory. The combined offerings for Holy Week, Easter Sunday and also, offerings which were mailed to our Rectory. We praise and thank our Lord for the gift of faithful and generous souls here at our parish of St. Michael's! We share the blessing from the Old Testament Book of Numbers 6:24-25:

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU;

MAY THE LORD BE KIND AND GRACIOUS TO YOU;

MAY THE LORD LOOK ON YOU WITH FAVOR AND GIVE YOU PEACE!

A PRAYER FOR YOU

May there be peace within you today.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.

Let His presence settle into your bones.

Let His presence allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance and to bask in the sun.

God is with you NOW!

MAY…THE MONTH DEDICATED TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE THEOTOKOS!

Traditionally, May is a special month to remember not only our birth mother, but also the Mother of Our Lord, the Mother of God. Be sure that your daily prayers, prayers especially with your children, are mindful of the Queen of Heaven!

A MOST IMPORTANT THOUGHT. Daniel Webster, when secretary of state under President Fillmore, was once dining with 20 men at the Astor House in New York. Sensing that he was unusually quiet that evening, one of the men asked him, “Mr. Webster, will you tell me what was the most important thought that ever occupied your mind?” Webster said aloud for all to hear: “The most important thought that ever occupied my mind was that of my individual responsibility to God.”

Attention Holy name Society Members following next Sunday's 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy the Holy Name Society meets for their monthly meeting. Members: please be sure to attend.

April 22 , 2012

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY-EAST---SUNDAY, MAY 20 th , 2012. A cordial invitation is extended to you for this special event sponsored by our Eparchy of Passaic and the Greek Catholic Union. You may check the flyer in today's bulletin. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OUR PARISH GROUP LEADER, TOM DUCH, AT HIS LAW OFFICE: 201.794.7234.

WITH OUR PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY +Nellie Dolgas was called to Eternal Life. The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at our Chapel tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. May Our Divine Lord, who gifted +Nellie Dolgas with a life, now grant her rest in her eternal home where the light of Our Lord's face watches over her. Blessed Repose, Eternal Memory, Christ is Risen!

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC VOCATIONS The Called By Name program is a unique vocation awareness program designed to recognize potential church vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, consecrated and monastic life. It attempts to inform Byzantine Catholics about qualities we are looking for potential candidates for service in the Church, gives the local Church the opportunity to make the invitation, and enables those individuals invited to explore vocation possibilities in a supportive and prayerful setting. As part of the program, laity and clergy alike are asked to suggest names of men and women they know who have exhibited qualities that indicate that God might have given them the gifts necessary for a church vocation. These individuals are then invited to consider more deeply a vocation in our Church. May Our Lord hear our prayers and bless our Byzantine Catholic Church here in our United States of America with an increase of vocations to priesthood, diaconate, consecrated and monastic life. PRAY FOR GOD'S BLESSINGS ON OUR CHURCH!

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders, NJ, welcomes everyone to their Spring Penny Auction, Friday, May 4,2012. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $6.00. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

The most important thing in the quest for vocations will always be prayer

April 15, 2012

Christos Voskrese!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW METROPOLITAN: Our Parish family extends warmest and most heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS to our God-loving Bishop William C. Skurla on the occasion of his Solemn Enthronement as the fifth Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh this Wednesday. We ask our Risen Savior to bless and guide Archbishop William as he begins his ministry and to grant him health and many, many happy and blessed years. Na mnohaja I blahaja l'ita!

THE SANCTUARY CANDLE For the month of April, the Cathedral Sanctuary candle is lit in Loving Memory of +Michael, +Tena & +Andrew Kovalycsik, requested by Joy Kovalycsik.

TODAY: Easter Egg Hunt The traditional Easter Egg Hunt for the little “Angels” takes place today at our Chapel Community Center following the 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Tickets or registrations are not necessary. Just bring your precious children for this joyful celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection!

From our Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic - Office of the Bishop Regarding the online Telecast of Enthronement: The faithful of the Eparchy who will not be attending the Enthronement of Most Reverend William C. Skurla as Archbishop of Pittsburgh and as the fifth Metropolitan of the Byzantine Catholic Church in America sui iuris, will be able to view it live online from your homes or offices at www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com .  Hundreds are expected to watch the event on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 2:00 PM from all over the U.S. and other parts of the world including the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine.  No special software is needed. Simply go online to the Cathedral's website to start the video stream.  The broadcast will be streamed live in HD via UStream starting at 2:00 PM.

A JOYOUS CELEBRATION! Our Sister Parish in near-by Rahway, New Jersey, St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, celebrates their 100 th anniversary today. Our prayerful congratulations are extended to Father Michael Mondik, Pastor of St. Thomas Parish, and to the Parishioners on their Centennial Celebration! Our Most Reverend Bishop, William C. Skurla, will be the principal celebrant of the Hierarchial Divine Liturgy at three o'clock this afternoon.

The Lord is truly Risen!

To Him be glory forever!

April 8, 2012

Christos Voskrese!

“Jesus himself is the shepherd of Israel, the shepherd of humanity. And he takes injustice upon himself; he shoulders the destructive burden of guilt. He allows himself to be struck down. He takes up the cause of all who are struck down in the course of history. ‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep' (John 10:11) … As the risen Lord, he is now in the fullest sense the shepherd who leads, through death, to the path of life.”

- Pope Benedict XVI

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders, NJ, welcome everyone to their Spring Penny Auction, Friday, May 4,2012. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Drawing begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission: $6.00. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

The old, old story A little boy was not exactly happy about going to church on Easter Sunday morning. His new shoes were too tight, his tie pinched his neck, and the weather was just too beautiful to be cooped up inside. As he sulked in the back seat of the family car, his parents heard him mutter, 'I don't know why we have to go to church on Easter anyway. They keep telling the same old story, and it always comes out the same in the end.'

Easter Egg Hunt The traditional Easter Egg Hunt for the little “Angels” takes place next Sunday at our Chapel Community Center following the 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Tickets or registrations are not necessary. Just bring your precious children for this joyful celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection!

April 1, 2012

This is Holy Week, when the whole Christian world comes together to commemorate the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of His mission, and the fruition of the task that the Father had sent Him to do. Everything Jesus had done, every word, every action, every miracle, had been building up to the climactic events of this coming week. He was born, lived, suffered, died and ultimately rose from the dead on the third day, all for us and for our eternal salvation.

JUST A REMIMDER Beginning with the Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday evening we remain STANDING at those moments during the Liturgy when we would ordinarily kneel. As a sign of honor to the Resurrection of Christ, we stand!

For Peace Of Our Immortal Souls. Please remember to humbly approach the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation prior to the Feast of Our Lord's Resurrection. “Those who approach this Sacrament obtain pardon from God's mercy for the offense committed against them, and are, at the same time, reconciled with the Church which they have wounded by their sins and which by charity, by example, and by prayer labors for their conversion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1422).

PARKING ALERT! Anticipating the number of vehicles at our Cathedral location for Holy Week and Easter Sunday, please consider using the large LOWER parking lot with access from Market Street. This request is made in behalf of the elderly and those with walking difficulties who may find it easier to park closer to the church.

FINDING MEANING

There are many people today who continue to ask for signs. Many have been searching for meaning in their lives, answers to vital questions and to find solutions to their many problems. Some of these include the following: “What is the meaning of life?” “Is there a future life?” “If so, what will life be like after death?” We can only imagine the confusion, agony, depression and frustration of those who lack the gift of faith and belief in the crucified and risen Christ.

It is only in Christ that we can find true meaning to life, relief for our suffering, courage to cope with the realities and problems of life, face the mystery of death and to have a well-founded hope of life eternal in the bliss of heaven. It is in Christ that we find the consolation, compassion, kindness, and mercy of a loving God .

Eulogy for a saint

He died immensely rich, simply by keeping his account with the Lord straight.

March 25, 2012

AN AWESOME FEAST! This is truly a day to celebrate and it is appropriate that this feast celebrates the Incarnation of our God in human history. And, in just another week, we will be invited to enter deeply into the commemoration of where God's passionate desire for us, expressed in his taking human form in Mary's womb, will lead. This is an awesome feast, made more awesome by the fact that without the cooperation of Mary, a person just like us, none of it would have been possible. “Today is the fountain-head of our salvation and the revelation of an eternal mystery: the Son of God becomes a Virgin's Son!”

From the writings of Thomas Merton My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

Most People are like us A man was looking for a good church to attend and he happened to enter one in which the congregation and the preacher were reading from their Prayer Book. They were saying: “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.”

The man dropped into a seat and sighed with relief as he said to himself: “Thank goodness, I've found my crows at last.” - Anthony de Mello

OUR PARISH FAMILY BIDS FAREWELL! Since his Enthronement on January 29, 2008, our Beloved Bishop, William C. Skurla has been extremely close to our Parish Family. And now, as his transfer to Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh is imminent, we will have an opportunity to extend our personal good wishes to Bishop William. Please join our entire Parish Family on Palm Sunday, April 1 st in our Passaic Cathedral auditorium at 1:00 pm (following the 11 o'clock Chapel Liturgy). A light Luncheon will be available. Please let us know if you will attend the luncheon by signing an attendance sheet available at Chapel and Cathedral.

The Tomb Watch Schedule for Good Friday/Holy Saturday 2012. Now available in the Cathedral and Chapel Vestibules. Please sign up for your Holy Hour on these sacred days.

A SEASONAL MESSAGE ALERT. If you are blessed with a Pussy Willow shrub, please check the branches: they are probably ready for cutting. Please bring the branches to the Rectory ASAP for proper storage until Palm Sunday. God bless you for your gift of sharing!

YOU ARE INVITED….The 23 rd annual presentation of THE JESUS STORY at Felician College-Breslin Theater, Lodi. Sunday, March 25 th at 4pm; Friday, March 30 th , 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, March 31 st & April 1 st at 4pm and Thursday & Friday, April 5 th & 6 TH at 8pm. All seating is Free.

AMERICA'S PREMIER FOLK ENSEMBLE: THE TAMBURITZANS. An ALL-NEW performance! Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Paramus Catholic High School, 425 Paramus Rd., Paramus. All seats reserved: $25. For tickets call 1-877-826-6437. Visit www.duq.edu/tamburitzans.

March 18, 2012

The mysteries of christian initiation will be administered to the Servant of God, Gianna Lynn, new-born daughter of Philip and Ashley Mastroianni. Incorporated into Christ and made a member of His body, the Church, may Gianna Lynn, along with her parents, Philip and Ashley, grow in the knowledge, grace and love of Jesus Christ our Lord!

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal. Thanks to the many Faithful of our Parish, we have exceeded our assigned goal. In appreciation to those who contributed to the Appeal, St. Michael's received a reversion check from the Eparchial Stewardship Office, the amount over our assigned goal. St. Michael's Cathedral is blessed with good and faithful Stewards!!!

SEASONAL MESSAGE ALERT. If you are blessed with a Pussy Willow shrub, please check the branches: they are probably ready for cutting. Please bring the branches to the Rectory ASAP for proper storage until Palm Sunday. God bless you for your gift of sharing!

The Tomb Watch Schedule for Good Friday/Holy Saturday 2012. Now available in the Cathedral and Chapel Vestibules. Please sign up for your Holy Hour on these sacred days.

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER PLAIN OR RAISIN PASKAS: BAKED SPECIALTIES FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE Thank God for the wonderful, dedicated women of our Parish who will help and provide for you the baked delicacies for Easter. Baked fresh and available on Saturday, March 24 th. Cathedral orders may be picked after 12 Noon. Orders for Chapel will be delivered to Chapel and available following the Saturday and Sunday Liturgies.

- For CATHEDRAL pick-up, please call Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656

- For CHAPEL pick-up, please call Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007

A LENTEN SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT DAY FOR WOMEN The women of our Parish are cordially invited to attend this Lenten Day of Recollection this coming Saturday, March 24 th , at St. Mary Parish, Route #46 and Myers Ave., Denville, NJ., 8:30 a.m. and continuing until 2:00 p.m. The stipend for attendance is a small $5.00. For reservations & information, please call Kathy Levendusky @973.772.5918. The Spiritual Director will be Fr. John Andrew Connell, well-known director of retreats and spiritual programs.

YOU ARE INVITED….The 23 rd annual presentation of THE JESUS STORY at Felician College-Breslin Theater, Lodi. Saturday & Sunday, March 24 th & 25 th at 4pm; Friday, March 30 th , 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, March 31 st , 4pm and Thursday & Friday, April 5 th & 6 TH at 8pm. All seating is Free.

AMERICA'S PREMIER FOLK ENSEMBLE: THE TAMBURITZANS. An ALL-NEW performance! Sunday, April 1, 2012, 2:00 p.m. at Paramus Catholic High School, 425 Paramus Rd., Paramus. All seats reserved: $25. For tickets call 1-877-826-6437. Visit www.duq.edu/tamburitzans.

OUR PARISH FAMILY BIDS FAREWELL! Since his Enthronement on January 29, 2008, our Beloved Bishop, William C. Skurla has been extremely close to our Parish Family. And now, as his transfer to Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh is imminent, we will have an opportunity to extend our personal good wishes to Bishop William. Please join our entire Parish Family on Palm Sunday, April 1 st in our Passaic Cathedral auditorium at 1:00 pm (following the 11 o'clock Chapel Liturgy). A light Luncheon will be available. Please let us know if you will attend the luncheon by signing an attendance sheet available at Chapel and Cathedral.

March 11, 2012

Today's Gospel Message: St Mark 8:34-9:1 The reading tells us what we must do to be true followers of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, that is true Christians. We must deny ourselves and take up our crosses and follow Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must put His truth and His will first in our lives, and not be ashamed of Him and His words. The way to salvation is not through worldly accomplishments or material possessions; it is through the words of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A different reflection on today's gospel message Our Lord said: “IF anyone wants to come with me…he must forget himself, carry his cross and follow me.” Now consider the following: Lord Byron had a clubfoot; Robert L. Stevenson and John Keats had tuberculosis. Charles Steinmetz and Alexander Pope were hunchbacks; Admiral Nelson had only one eye; Edgar Allan Poe was a psychoneurotic; Charles Darwin was an invalid; Julius Caesar was an epileptic; Thomas Edison and Ludwig von Beethoven were deaf….and on and on… The significant thing about each of these is that they achieved mightily in the face of what most would have considered to be a cross. Now, if God asked you to carry one of the above crosses, which would you choose?

SEASONAL MESSAGE ALERT. If you are blessed with a Pussy Willow shrub, please check the branches: they are probably ready for cutting. Please bring the branches to the Rectory ASAP for proper storage until Palm Sunday. God bless you for your gift of sharing!

The Tomb Watch Schedule for Good Friday/Holy Saturday 2012. Now available in the Cathedral and Chapel Vestibules. Please sign up for these holy hours and these sacred days.

Attention Holy Name Society Members following today's 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy the Holy Name Society meets for their monthly meeting. Members: please be sure to attend.

Archbishop-elect +William C. Skurla's Installation. Our Cathedral Parish will sponsor a bus trip/accommodations to the Installation ceremonies in Munhall, PA. Bus transportation will leave from our Chapel on Wednesday, April 18 th and returns on Thursday, April 19 th . Reservation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Single room accommodation, including bus fare: $250.00; Double room: $180.00 per person. TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL JOHN VILCHOCK: 201.935.3281 or 201.893 .6993.

PLAIN OR RAISIN PASKAS: BAKED SPECIALTIES FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE Thank God for the wonderful, dedicated women of our Parish who will help and provide for you the baked delicacies for Easter. Baked fresh and available on Saturday, March 24 th . Cathedral orders may be picked after 12 Noon. Orders for Chapel will be delivered to Chapel and available following the Saturday and Sunday Liturgies.

- For CATHEDRAL pick-up, please call Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656

- For CHAPEL pick-up, please call Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007

The Gift of Faith! Today, the Servant of God, Jason Lei, a convert to our Byzantine Catholic Faith, receives the Mysteries of Christian Initiation. May Our Lord's blessings of health and happiness, along with a vibrant faith-filled commitment be with Jason on his journey as a son of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Fish and chips Our Holy Name Society invites you to their Lenten Fare on Friday, March 23 rd at our Chapel Social Center, Woodland Park. Tickets are available following Divine Liturgies. Take-out orders are available. For tickets and more information call Tom J Duch at 201.794.7234 or John Vilchock at 201.935.3281. Don't miss this event!

March 4, 2012

Archbishop-elect +William C. Skurla's Installation. Our Cathedral Parish will sponsor a bus trip/accommodations to the Installation ceremonies in Munhall, PA. Bus transportation will leave from our Chapel on Wednesday, April 18 th and returns on Thursday, April 19 th . Reservation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Single room accommodation, including bus fare: $250.00; Double room: $180.00 per person. TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL JOHN VILCHOCK: 201.935.3281 or 201.893 .6993.

PLAIN OR RAISIN PASKAS: BAKED SPECIALTIES FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE Thank God for the wonderful, dedicated women of our Parish who will help and provide for you the baked delicacies for Easter. Baked fresh and available on Saturday, March 24 th . Cathedral orders may be picked after 12 Noon. Orders for Chapel will be delivered to Chapel and available following the Saturday and Sunday Liturgies.

- For CATHEDRAL pick-up, please call Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656

- For CHAPEL pick-up, please call Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007

Reflection on today's Gospel---Mark 2:1-12: This is a familiar story from the Gospels. The group of men wanted healing for their friend who was paralyzed. They were willing to do anything to help their friend, no matter what the cost. They even went so far as to remove a portion of someone's roof. They were willing to face the consequences of destroying someone's property to help their friend. The faith of these people and of their friend who was paralyzed was immediately recognized by Our Lord. Their faith was strong, firm and complete. They did not flinch for even a moment. They knew in their hearts that Jesus could and would heal this man. The leaders of the synagogue refused to believe. They were shallow in their belief and only saw the external things: the roof being destroyed, the “farce” of what was happening, what they considered blasphemy. They were blind to who was truly before them. It is necessary in today's world to have a faith that is committed, that is strong and that is firmly rooted in our hearts. We have an opportunity now during the Great Fast to build up our Faith, to strengthen it and to share with all we come into contact with. Our fasting, increased prayers, opportunity for the Sacrament of Penance are the tools we will use to achieve our goal. We, too, can show the Faith of these men and come to Our Lord to receive healing and grace as we continue on the road to Salvation.

Yet Another Blessing to Our Parish! Our precious, precious volunteers in the “Pirohi Kitchen” of St. Michael's have once again provided with the results of their latest endeavor: This amount reflects the continued and dedicated labor of the Pirohi Workers—workers with golden hearts and hands always ready and willing to share their time, their energy and their talent. May Our Divine Lord continue to bless and protect these women and men for sharing their gift of living faith for the greater honor and glory of Our Blessed Lord! Thank YOU and God Bless YOU!

Attention all the women and girls of our parish Today the annual Lenten Afternoon of Recollection sponsored by the Passaic-Clifton District Council of Catholic at 2:30 p.m. at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, 218 Ackerman Avenue, Clifton. All are welcome! No reservation is necessary. Just come for this inspiring afternoon of Lenten spiritual growth and renewal!

“The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and to teach those who suffer. For one who wanted to make a display, the thing would have been just to appear and dazzle the beholders. But for Jesus, who came to heal and to teach, the way was not merely to dwell here, but to put himself at the disposal of those who needed him.”

February 26, 2012

A Timely Reflection For The Beginning of the Great Fast! -From today's Epistle Reading (Hebrews 12:1): …So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”

WE REMEMBER OUR BELOVED DECEASED IN PRAYER. The Second All Souls Saturday is March 3 rd . Be sure that the names of your family members and friends who were called to Eternal Life are submitted. And, be sure that you attend the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy on each and every All Souls Saturday in the Cathedral Church.

Archbishop-elect +William C. Skurla's Installation. Our Cathedral Parish will sponsor a bus trip/accommodations to the Installation ceremonies in Munhall, PA. Bus transportation will leave from our Chapel on Wednesday, April 18 th and returns on Thursday, April 19 th . Reservation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Single room accommodation, including bus fare: $250.00; Double room: $180.00 per person. TO REGISTER, PLEASE CALL JOHN VILCHOCK: 201.935.3281 or 201.8933.6993.

Fish and chips Our Holy Name Society invites you to their Lenten Fare on Friday, March 23 rd at our Chapel Social Center, Woodland Park. Tickets are available following Divine Liturgies. Take-out orders are available. For tickets and more information call Tom J Duch at 201.794.7234 or John Vilchock at 201.935.3281. Don't miss this event!

Next Saturday: A Day Of Spiritual Renewal For Men A Day of Recollection for men hosted by our Holy Name Society. All men of our Parish are cordially invited to attend this Retreat day on Saturday, March 3 rd, 2012 at St. Michael's Chapel.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy

11:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast

11:45 a.m. – First Conference

12:30 p.m. – Reflection and time for Confessions

1:15 p.m. – Lunch and Fellowship

2:30 p.m. – Moleben and Second Conference and Final Blessing.

Donations: $10.00; Students: free. Please respond to Mark Hrehovcik.

Please place your order for baked goods as soon as possible.

POPPY, WALNUT AND LEKVAR ROLLS – all freezer friendly

Baked fresh and available on Saturday, March 3 rd

- For CATHEDRAL pick-up, please call Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656

- For CHAPEL pick-up, please call Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007

All the women and girls of our parish are invited to attend the Annual Lenten Afternoon of Recollection to be sponsored by the Passaic-Clifton District Council of Catholic Women on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, 218 Ackerman Avenue, Clifton. All are very welcome! No reservation is necessary. Plan now to join in this inspiring afternoon of Lenten spiritual growth and renewal!

First Sunday of the Great Fast

Having completed the first week of our Lenten efforts, we are reminded that Christ, the perfect image of God the Father, calls us to personal victory by restoring within ourselves “the image and likeness of God” in which we were first created (see Genesis 1:26). The icons of our Lord, the Theotokos [Mother of God], and all the saints are images of true humanity, signs of what our eternal calling and vocation really is. They tell us that we are called to be living icons and imitators of Christ, bearing the likeness of God as gracious vessels of the Holy Spirit.

February 19, 2012

Lent Begins

Tomorrow, February 20 th, marks the beginning of the Great Fast, Lent, for Catholics of the Byzantine Rite.

Tomorrow, strict fast and abstinence is required. Meat and dairy products are not permitted.

The Time Of Fasting Is At Our Doorstep For Byzantine Catholics, the Lenten season/The Great Fast begins tomorrow, February 20 th. According to our liturgical practice, tomorrow is a day of strict fast and abstinence, a day on which meat and dairy products are not permitted. Pope Benedict XVI released his message to Catholics for Lent and it has a strong focus on fasting, which along with prayer and almsgiving is one of the three penitential practices that are associated with Lent. A very early Christian writing, the Didache, discovered in 1873, gives us this advice: “Do not keep the same fast-days as the hypocrites. They fast on Mondays and Thursdays; so you should fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.” I used to read this, smiling at its simplicity – until I discovered that Mondays and Thursdays were the market days in those times! The Pharisees timed their fasting for the maximum visibility. This early Christian writing certainly has the spirit of Jesus, who said, “Don't let your fasting be seen by others…” (Matthew 6:17)

SAVE THE DATE: Fish and chips Our Holy Name Society invites you to their Lenten Fare on Friday, March 23 rd ; 4:30p.m. – 8:30 pm at our Chapel Social Center, Woodland Park. Take-out orders will be made available.

A Day Of Spiritual Renewal For Men A Day of Recollection for men hosted by our Holy Name Society. All men of our Parish are cordially invited to attend this Retreat day on Saturday, March 3 rd, 2012 at St. Michael's Chapel.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy;

11:00 a.m. – Continental Breakfast;

11:45 a.m. – First Conference;

12:30 p.m. – Reflection and time for Confessions;

1:15 p.m. – Lunch and Fellowship; 2:30 p.m. – Moleben and Second

Conference and Final Blessing. Donations: $10.00; Students: free. Please respond to

~ Please place your order for baked goods as soon as possible. ~

POPPY, WALNUT AND LEKVAR ROLLS

Baked fresh and available on Saturday, March 3 rd

- For CATHEDRAL pick-up, please call Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656

- For CHAPEL pick-up, please call Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007

APPRECIATION MESSAGES Very many Thank You notes were received in the past weeks from our home-bound parishioners as well as the retired Priests of our Eparchy, in appreciation for the Christmas cards which were sent to them. As you know, that list of names/addresses was quite extensive, and by your willingness to send seasonal greetings brought joy to each of them. I personally thank you for sharing in this annual ministry and project of “keeping in touch” with these precious souls at Christmas time!

All one's ways may be pure in one's own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

(Another Translation) You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives. Proverbs 16:2

February 12, 2012

A reflection on today's Gospel lesson The Final Judgment

“When the Son of Man comes as King and all the angels with him, he will sit on his royal throne, and the people of all the nations will be gathered before him.” Matthew 25:31

Would you feel more comfortable with Jesus if He had been a bit vague about what God expects of us? Instead, He laid it on the line – if we want to share His life in the Kingdom forever, we must take care of one another now. Jesus tells us: God accepts as done to Him, whatever we do or neglect to do for each other. In our relationships of genuine caring, genuine sharing, genuine compassion, genuine forgiving, the Christ-Presence in our lives becomes real to us. When our love is large, so too is our vision of the Risen Christ! When our love is large, we are wrapped in the mantle of true greatness.

Attention Holy Name Society Members following today's 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy the Holy Name Society meets for their monthly meeting. Members: please be sure to attend.

St. Valentine's sacrifice Every February 14, we celebrate the loved ones in our lives with cards, flowers and chocolate. But Valentine's Day has another meaning that's been lost.

First declared a holiday by King Henry VIII of England in 1537, it commemorates the beheading of St. Valentine on February 14, 270 A.D. His crime? Performing wedding ceremonies after Roman Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage.

Valentine was martyred for faithfully doing the work God had given him. Although it's good to celebrate love and marriage, let's also remember the courage of a man who gave his life following his convictions.

If you don't read this, watch out! Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross is a former professor of psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She wrote a best-seller called Death and Dying. The book grew out of interviews with hundreds of people who had been declared clinically dead and then revived.

Repeatedly these people report that during their experience they underwent a kind of instant replay of their lives. It was like seeing a movie of everything they had ever done. How did the instant replay affect these people? Did it reveal anything significant?

Commenting on this, Dr. Kubler-Ross says: “When you come to this point [the moment of leaving this life], you see there are only two things that are relevant: the service you rendered to others and love. All those things we think are important, like fame, money, prestige, and power, are insignificant.”

Seeing the dawn

A rabbi asked his students, “How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and the day begins?

One student suggested, “When from a distance you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep? “No,” the rabbi replied. “Is it when one man can distinguish between a fig tree and a grape vine?” “No,” came the reply. The rabbi went on to give the answer: “It is when you can look into the face of human beings and you have enough light (in you) to recognize them as your brothers and sisters. Up until then it is night and darkness is still with us.”

February 5, 2012

Called to Eternal Life Amid the countless voices that call on us in this world, the One voice that discreetly resonates in the Gospel, the voice of Jesus Christ is the voice of tenderness, compassion and mercy: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest” (Mat 11:28). Last week, on January 25 th , the Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated for +Richard Joseph Witkowski, grandson of Joseph and Rose Mary Fenui. And, just yesterday, the Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated for our faithful, dedicated and beloved daughter of St. Michael's, +Helen Duch. To the Families of +Helen Duch and +Richard Joseph Witkowski we offer our Prayerful Condolences and Sympathy, knowing that our Lord will give them rest and the blessing of an Eternal Reward. May the light of Our Lord's face now gently watch over them.

Please don't miss this Our Holy Name Society is cordially inviting you to their ANNUAL BEEFSTEAK DINNER. Do you remember last year's Beefsteak…a superb, outstanding event with compliments after compliments! Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, February 11 th for the Beefsteak Dinner at our Chapel Social Center. In the mean time, start licking your chops for a wonderful parish event. Tickets available following Divine Liturgies. God Bless our faithful Holy Name members!

Attention Holy name Society Members following next Sunday's 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy the Holy Name Society meets for their monthly meeting. Members: please be sure to attend.

All Souls Remembrance. The first of five All Souls Saturdays is this coming Saturday, February 11 th .By our offering of the Divine Liturgy and Panachida, our communal prayer, we fervently remember those who have been called to their Eternal Reward. We pray for our family members and our loved ones. Hopefully you have or you will submit the list of the names of your beloved deceased. It is so right and proper that we attend the Divine Liturgies on each of the All Souls Days.

Today's Gospel Reading Each one of us can relate to the story of the Prodigal Son. Time and again, we find ourselves running away from God, our loving Father, choosing instead to live our lives free from him, his will, and his plan for us, only to find ourselves stuck in a situation we eventually regret. The good news, however, is that should we at any time find ourselves wanting to return to our Father in Heaven, he will always be there to run to meet us, embrace us, and rejoice that we have found our way back to him. Of course for some, return to God seems to only become a possibility when they've finally hit “rock bottom.” For others, the slightest difficulty sends them scampering back to the waiting Father, while others fail to return altogether. In all these, however, one thing remains constant, and that is the Father's love for us, his children. Whether we choose to return sooner or later, he will always be there, awaiting us on our return.

Attention Teenagers of our Parish A 412 Retreat for teens 13 to 17 is being sponsored by Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. The Retreat will be held May 4, 5, 6, 2012 (Friday to Sunday). The retreat will be held at the Ave Maria Retreat Home located on the beautiful grounds of the American Czestochowa Shrine, located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Elena Worlinsky will be the Retreat Director and Fr. Ed Cimbala will be the Spiritual Director. The retreat will be based on St. Paul's first letter to Timothy, Chapter 4 verse 12: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Elana will continue to explore the topics she first presented at the Rally.

January 29, 2012

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ.”

– Gal 3:27.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today for the Servant of God, Vanessa Marie Zlotkowski newborn daughter of Lauren Marie & Ryan Paul Zlotkowski and sister of Joshua Paul. May Lauren Marie; Ryan Paul and Joshua Paul , along with their “Gift from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

WE REMEMBER OUR BELOVED DECEASED IN PRAYER. The First All Souls Saturday is February 11 th . Be sure that the names of your family members and friends who were called to Eternal Life are submitted. And, be sure that you attend the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy on each and every All Souls Saturday in the Cathedral Church.

THE ANGELS OF OUR KITCHEN ARE AT IT AGAIN! This time, it's PIROHI TIME. Pirohi will be made and available for pick-up on February 4 th . The Potato/Cheese or Spinach varieties will be available. For Cathedral order pick-up (12 noon and after): please call Vlasta Berry: 201.935.3395 or Cell: 201.370.2656. For Chapel orders (and pick-up) please call Dolores Galik at 973.239.6007.

The Pilgrim Vocation Icon Program “The harvest is truly plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he send laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38) We all have a responsibility to foster future leaders of the Church, priests, sisters, deacons and laity alike, dedicated to serve God's people. One way we can all be involved in vocation ministry is through prayer. You are invited to have this icon in your home for a week of special prayer for vocations. Please place your name on the sign-up sheet located in the vestibules of the Cathedral and Chapel.

Attention Teenagers of our Parish A 412 Retreat for teens 13 to 17 is being sponsored by Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. The Retreat will be held May 4, 5, 6, 2012 (Friday to Sunday). The retreat will be held at the Ave Maria Retreat Home located on the beautiful grounds of the American Czestochowa Shrine, located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Elena Worlinsky will be the Retreat Director and Fr. Ed Cimbala will be the Spiritual Director. The retreat will be based on St. Paul's first letter to Timothy, Chapter 4 verse 12: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Elana will continue to explore the topics she first presented at the Rally.

January 22, 2012

Joyful News

This past Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 12 o'clock noon, it was announced in Rome that Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI officially appointed our Beloved Bishop, William C. Skurla as the 5th Metropolitan Archbishop of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Metropolitan

Archbishop–elect William C. Skurla will be Enthroned in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Munhall, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. On this occasion of the joyful announcement of Archbishop-elect William's appointment, our Cathedral Parish Family extends heart-felt and prayerful support, asking Our Divine Lord to bless and prosper the continued good and faithful Ministry of Archbishop-elect William in the Vineyard of our Lord Jesus Christ!

THE ANGELS OF OUR KITCHEN ARE AT IT AGAIN! This time, it's PIROHI TIME. Pirohi will be made and available for pick-up on February 4 th . The Potato/Cheese or Spinach varieties will be available. For Cathedral order pick-up (12 noon and after): please call Vlasta Berry: 201.935.3395 or Cell: 201.370.2656. For Chapel orders (and pick-up) please call Dolores Galik at 973.239.6007.

REMEBERING AND WITNESSING FOR

The Sanctity of Human Life

“ It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.” -Blessed Mother Theresa

We must Respect all Life as a Gift from God! …and we must remember that a baby is a person, no matter how small. Pray for all unborn children. Pray for all pregnant women, especially those who might be struggling with a decision at this very moment.

Today: The Passaic Ecumenical Prayer Service Please know that the Passaic Ecumenical Committee invites you to attend the Annual Prayer Service in celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to be held at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon in St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Avenue, Passaic (corner Passaic and Lafayette Avenues).

The Pilgrim Vocation Icon Program “The harvest is truly plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he send laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38) We all have a responsibility to foster future leaders of the Church, priests, sisters, deacons and laity alike, dedicated to serve God's people. One way we can all be involved in vocation ministry is through prayer. You are invited to have this icon in your home for a week of special prayer for vocations. Please place your name on the sign-up sheet located in the vestibules of the Cathedral and Chapel.

January 15, 2012

PRAYERFUL APPRECIATION! Our Parish is truly blessed with dedicated kitchen workers who continue to provide excellent specialty items as Pirohi, Nut & Poppy Rolls and of course, Babkas. We offer our hard-working kitchen staff our profound appreciation for their remarkable accomplishments! God bless each of these precious souls for their hearts, hands, energy and living faith by continuing this important endeavor in our Parish. And, as a result of their dedication, their labors provided St. Michael's with a combined amount of $5,527.29!

THE ANGELS OF OUR KITCHEN ARE AT IT AGAIN! This time, it's PIROHI TIME. Pirohi will be made and available for pick-up on February 4 th . The Potato/Cheese or Spinach varieties will be available. For Cathedral order pick-up (12 noon and after): please call Vlasta Berry: 201.935.3395 or Cell: 201.370.2656. For Chapel orders (and pick-up) please call Dolores Galik at 973.679.6007.

The Passaic Ecumenical Prayer Service One of Our Lord's last prayers included His petition “that all of them may be one.” Our Lord knew that if Christians were divided, those outside the Christian faith would not likely want to be His followers. Sincere loving Christians work and pray for Christian Unity! Please know that the Passaic Ecumenical Committee invites you to attend the Annual Prayer Service in celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2012 in St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Avenue, Passaic (corner Passaic and Lafayette Avenues).

GET READY FOT THIS WONDERFUL EVENT Now that the Christmas/New Year's celebrations are over, our Holy Name Society is cordially inviting you to their ANNUAL BEEFSTEAK DINNER. Do you remember last year's Beefsteak…a superb, outstanding event with compliments after compliments! Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, February 11 th for the Beefsteak Dinner at our Chapel Social Center. In the mean time, start licking your chops for a wonderful parish event. Tickets available following Divine Liturgies. God Bless our faithful Holy Name members!

PARENTS AND STUDENTS OF OUR PARISH ECF PROGRAM. Each Sunday morning the dedicated Teachers of our Religious Education classes appear at our Chapel for the program of educating our youth in their Faith. Parents of our God-given children are reminded of the importance of faithful attendance in these instructional classes. Immediately following the Instruction classes, children and parents are expected to fulfill their Sunday obligation by attending the 11:00 am Divine Liturgy. NOW, PLEASE CONSIDER THIS: A minister asked the children in a Sunday school class: “Why do you love God?” The answer he liked best was, “I guess it just runs in the family.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 8, 2012

"Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He required..." Matthew 6:33

As this new year begins, we, too, are naturally drawn to reflect on the consequences of our own yeses to God, as well as our noes. We consider what we have done with the gift of life which God has offered us. We consider what we can do in this year 2012 to live in ever-greater awareness of the Mystery we, too, hold in our own lives.

Loving Lord, we thank You for the gift of this new year, 2012. As each and every day passes, may we open our hearts and minds to the treasure that is Your presence among us!

HOW TO BE HAPPY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Keep your heart free from hate, your mind free from worry. Live simply, expect little.

Give much, sing often, pray always. Fill your life with love, scatter sunshine.

Forget self, think of others. Do as you would be done by. These are the tried links in contentment's golden chain.

Why was Jesus Baptized? Why should the sinless One, Jesus, descend into the waters of repentance? The question is really even more basic: why should the Son of God have descended at all? Because, this is the strangeness of Jesus: He is the God who descends. The Creed proclaims that “He came down from heaven.” St. Paul's letter to the Philippians tells us that He not only “took the form of a slave,” but that He humbled Himself, lowered Himself even further, “accepting death, death on the cross.”He entered into our humanity, to descend lower and lower into our pain, our desolation, or hells , to fill all our darkness with the radiance of The Beloved Son. In today's world, in our upwardly mobile world, where one's value as a person is measured by the heights of success and position, there is One who ascends, the Son of God, descending into the waters of the Jordan and into the chaos of humanity and offers a counter invitation.

Religious Education Classes The God-given children of St. Michael's need and deserve the ONE HOUR of formal Christian formation. May the parents of these precious children realize the solemn responsibility in bringing them to our Eastern Christian Formation classes each Sunday morning at Chapel as well as attending 11 o'clock Divine Liturgy.

GET READY FOT THIS WONDERFUL EVENT Now that the Christmas/New Year's celebrations are over, our Holy Name Society is cordially inviting you to their ANNUAL BEEFSTEAK DINNER. Do you remember last year's Beefsteak…a superb, outstanding event with compliments after compliments! Circle this date on your calendar: Saturday, February 11 th for the Beefsteak Dinner at our Chapel Social Center. In the mean time, start licking your chops for a wonderful parish event. God Bless our faithful Holy Name members!

January 1, 2012

The Year of Our Lord, 2012

THIS COMING SATURDAY – HOLY NAME SOCIETY CELEBRATION Members of our Parish Holy Name Society conduct their Christmas celebration following the 5:00 p.m. Chapel Liturgy, Saturday, January 7 th . Of course, all men of our Parish and also Altar Servers are cordially invited to attend… we hope to share the continued joy of Our Lord's Birth with you!!!

Eparchial Stewardship Update! Thanks to 153 households of our Parish, we have REACHED and SURPASSED our 2011 goal of $30,400.00. Any further contributions to Stewardship made by check must be dated December 2011. The surplus of the goal to date, $2,945.00, is reimbursed to our Parish.

The Pilgrim Vocation Icon Program “The harvest is truly plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray, therefore, the Lord of the harvest that he send laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38) We all have a responsibility to foster future leaders of the Church, priests, sisters, deacons and laity alike, dedicated to serve God's people. One way we can all be involved in vocation ministry is through prayer. Next Sunday begins a special effort of Prayer for Vocations in for the entire Byzantine Catholic Church in the United States. This effort will begin with a special program of prayer on that day, the Pilgrim Vocation Icon. Everyone of the parish is invited to have this icon in their home for a week of special prayer for vocations. For more information please contact our Parish coordinator, Fr. Jody, either in person or by cell phone, 570-956-5195.

Come, Lord, act in our lives. Touch our hearts and call us back to you that we may love you and run to you. - St. Augustine

December 25, 2011

A joyful season A woman was seated by a fireplace, thinking about Christmas. The whole thing seemed absurd. Why would God take flesh and live among us? Then she heard a noise outdoors. She saw a dozen geese groping about in the snow – cold and confused. She went outside and tried to herd them into her warm garage. But the more she tried to help them, the more they scattered across the lawn. Finally she gave up. Then an odd thought came to her: “If just for a minute I could become a goose and talk to them in their language, I could explain that what I was trying to do was for their happiness.” Then it struck her. That's what Christmas is all about! It's about God becoming a human to teach us what is for our happiness.

Today a Virgin gives birth to him who is above all being, and the earth offers a cave to him whom the world cannot contain. Angels with shepherds give glory and Magi journey led by a star. For unto us is born a young child, the pre-eternal God! - Kontakion of the Nativity

THE LORD HAS BROUGHT YOU HERE! As we mark and celebrate this joyful Feast of Our Lord's Nativity, we thank him for directing your hearts to St. Michael's to this House of the Lord! May the Infant Christ abundantly bless each of you, our faithful parishioners, friends and visitors for accompanying us as we proclaim and live our vibrant faith that “God Is With Us!”

THE 2011 EPARCHIAL STEWARDSHIP APPEAL. Soon, the Appeal will be closed for the year. Perhaps you may have misplaced the Stewardship response card. No problem. Simply place your Pledge Offering in an envelope marked “2011 Stewardship” and mail it to our parish. Checks must be dated no later than 2011 (for income tax purposes). God bless you for the kindness and generosity which you share for both our Eparchy and the Parish of St. Michael's!

“ Let those who never loved before, love now:

Let those who always loved,

December 18 th, 2011

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If you are not able to locate your Gift Form, simply mark an envelope with your name and “Stewardship.” Please help us reach our Parish goal... Quickly.

CALENDARS and Offertory Envelopes For The Year 2012… Yes, the calendars for 2012 arrived. Offertory envelopes and calendars are available for your immediate pick up at Chapel or Cathedral! God Bless YOU for YOUR continued love and support of St. Michael's throughout the year!

Our Prayerful Sympathy is extended to the family of +George Kmeck who was called to Eternal Life this past week. Parastas Service will be held at Nazare Memorial Home, Ridge Road, Lyndhurst today, Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, 231 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City on Monday, December 21 st at 10:00 a.m.

A gift from God

The story is told of parents who were introducing their 5-year-old son to his newborn sister. Staring at her in her small crib, the lad asked his parents if he could be alone with the baby for a little while. They were out of sight but not out of hearing range when they heard him say to the baby, "Tell me about God. I'm beginning to forget."

At Christmastime we prayerfully remember our Military and their families throughout the world.

Christmas is the foundation of the world's hope. It is not man's best dream, not man reaching up, but God reaching down. It is the revelation that at the center of the universe is an undefeatable power of love on which men can rely and to which they can join their efforts
The Christmas faith and hope are all wrapped up in one word, Emmanuel - God is with us.

December 11 th, 2011

THE MOST REVEREND BISHOP
+ANDREW PATAKI, J.C.L., D.D.

+ August 30, 1927 – December 8, 2011 +

Eternal Memory. Blessed Repose And Eternal Memory.

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If you are not able to locate your Gift Form, simply mark an envelope with your name and “Stewardship.” Please help us reach our Parish goal... Quickly.

Offertory Envelopes For The Year 2012… available for your immediate pick up at Chapel or Cathedral (lower level). God Bless YOU for YOUR continued love and support of St. Michael's throughout the year! Because of a printing delay, calendars for 2012 will be available real soon.

December 4 th, 2011

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS! The priests of our parish will be available for the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) this coming Saturday, December 10 th in the Cathedral Church from 11:00 am to 1:00pm and also, 3:00 pm to 4:00pm.

The Icon of the Sign. The image portrays the Mother of God (Theotokos) with the Christ Child in her bosom (the Icon on the left). Christ, in this icon, is a sign that was announced first by the Prophet Isaiah: “Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you this sign: ‘The Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name Him Emmanuel, ‘” (Is. 7:14) a name that means ‘God is with us.' In the icon the sign is Christ – God becoming man. The Son of God is made known to us as the Son of Man. He is true God and true man. The icon celebrates this truth. Through the Virgin Mother of God, He receives His human nature. Thus, “The Lord Whom the heavens could not contain is contained in the Virgin.”

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If you are not able to locate your Gift Form, simply mark an envelope with your name and “Stewardship.” Please help us reach our Parish goal... Quickly.

To date, 23% of Parishioners pledged 72% of our assigned goal

WITH OUR PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY Tena Kovalycsik, our oldest parishioner, was called to Eternal Life in her 102 nd year. The graveside committal service for Tena was held this past week at our Cemetery. May Our Divine Lord, who gifted Tena Kovalycsik with a long life, now grant her rest in her eternal home where the light of Our Lord's face watches over her. Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory!

A Reflection on today's Gospel Lesson Ten lepers shouted to Jesus, “Have pity on us!” Jesus shouted back, “Go and let the priests examine you.” On the way they were made clean. But only one returned to thank Jesus. Luke 17:13-14.

Germaine Gardner was born with one eye, no nose, and a misshapen face. Doctors said he would be a vegetable. His mother wanted him to die. Now, at four years old, he was sitting in the lobby of Medical City Dallas, playing a “thank-you” piano concert for 200 hospital employees.

His musical talent was discovered accidentally when he was still a baby. He now has a memorized repertoire of nearly 200 classical compositions (Germaine calls popular music “junk”) and has played with world-famous pianist Stevie Wonder.

The four-year-old's “thank-you” concert make me ask, How grateful am I for what I have, and how do I show it?

“Happy are they who grieve not for what they have not, but give thanks for what they do have.”

Offertory Envelopes For The Year 2012… available for your immediate pick up at Chapel or Cathedral (lower level). God Bless YOU for YOUR continued love and support of St. Michael's throughout the year! Because of a printing delay, calendars for 2012 will be available real soon.

November 27th, 2011

Our Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

President Calvin Coolidge, 30 th President said: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

The Stewardship Program is for our Parish AND for our Eparchy! Please respond as quickly as possible with your generous and sacrificial gift.

November 20th, 2011

Our Thanksgiving Day Liturgy. As a parish family we would do well to begin our Thanksgiving day festivities by attending the morning Divine Liturgy celebrated by Bishop William and the priests of our parish. Preparations at home may prevent some from attending the Liturgy; however, at least one family member should be present. We are mindful that there is no better way to express our thanksgiving then participating in the Divine Liturgy on such a solemn and joyful day.

IN YOUR CHRISTIAN AND CHRISTMAS CHARITY PLEASE DO THIS! For the past many, many years our Parish Bulletin contained an insert with the names and addresses of our loving Parishioners, unable to be with us in Church for the celebration of Our Lord's Birth. An updated list of these precious souls is in today's Bulletin. PLEASE, take the time NOW to send a Christmas Card to each and every name on the list. If you do not have cards, the stores certainly do. Sure, it takes time and determination, but your card will bring boundless joy to each of them. And, what more, God will indeed bless you for sharing concern to our cherished Parishioners! Please write the cards. Thanks!

Breakfast with Santa Please join us for St. Michael's annual “Breakfast with Santa” celebration on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at our Chapel Center. A local Girl Scout troop will be with us this year helping with the activities. Both youngsters and oldsters are in store for the fantastic breakfast and surprises! Bring the entire family! You won't want to miss it! Tickets available following weekend Divine Liturgies or you may call Paulette Rude at 973.686.7747, or email at paulette.rude@tiffany.com. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and CHILDREN ARE FREE!!!

Coats for the poor and those in need Our Parish BCY is collecting winter coats for the needy. Coats should not be ripped or torn. Please bring them to the Cathedral or Chapel ASAP.

In Support of our Troops As the holiday season comes upon us, the students of our ECF Program will collect items to be sent to our Military in Afghanistan to let them know they are not forgotten. Please bring items is as soon as possible in order to transfer them to the proper organization. There will be no Bear Hugs collection this year. Here's a list of items needed:

• hand sanitizer • toothpaste • puzzle books • lip balm

• mouthwash •shampoo • disposable razors • floss

• deodorant • baby powder • white socks • Sudoku

• shaving cream • Gold Bond powder • sports magazines • gum

• body wash • eye drops • hard candy

November 13, 2011

TIME SENSITIVE, IMPORTANT MESSAGE CONCERNING PIROHII!!! For the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, the pirohi workers will be hard at work again. Only the potato/cheese variety will be made. HOWEVER, ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED by this Wednesday November 16, 2011 so that the requests may be fulfilled.  PLEASE contact your family and friends bearing in mind this short window of opportunity. To place your order please contact the following: for Chapel orders, Dolores Galik @ 973.239.6007; for Cathedral orders, Vlasta Berry @ 201.370.2656.

Breakfast with Santa Please join us for St. Michael's annual “Breakfast with Santa” celebration on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at our Chapel Center. A local Girl Scout troop will be with us this year helping with the activities. Both youngsters and oldsters are in store for the fantastic breakfast and suprises! Bring the entire family! You won't want to miss it! Tickets available following weekend Divine Liturgies or you may call Paulette Rude at 973.686.7747, or email at paulette.rude@tiffany.com. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and CHILDREN ARE FREE!!!

An Update of our Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

Our Parish to date , 34 households responded.

TODAY: Super Soup and Sandwich Special: Our Holy Name Society sponsors a special lunch following the 11:00 a.m. Chapel Liturgy. The lunch is for everyone, especially for those taking the Radio City bus trip. Nominal price for the lunch: a real bargain. Also, Please don't miss the bus : Those with reservations for Radio City Christmas Spectacular: the bus departs from our Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Approximate return time: 7:00 p.m.

Coats for the poor and those in need Our Parish BCY is collecting winter coats for the needy. Coats should not be ripped or torn. Please bring them to the Cathedral or Chapel ASAP.

In Support of our Troops As the holiday season comes upon us, the students of our ECF Program will collect items to be sent to our Military in Afghanistan to let them know they are not forgotten. Please bring items is as soon as possible in order to transfer them to the proper organization. There will be no Bear Hugs collection this year. Here's a list of items needed:

• hand sanitizer • toothpaste • puzzle books • lip balm

• mouthwash •shampoo • disposable razors • floss

• deodorant • baby powder • white socks • Sudoku

• shaving cream • Gold Bond powder • sports magazines • gum

• body wash • eye drops • hard candy

Our Prayerful Sympathy The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated this past week in our Cathedral Church for Helen Sedlacik. As one of our oldest parishioners, Helen was called to eternal life in her 95 th year of life and 73 rd year of marriage. Our condolences are shared with her husband John and her son, John and daughter, Sharon.

November 6, 2011

Coats for the poor and those in need Our Parish BCY are collecting coats for the needy. Coats should not be ripped or torn. Please bring them in and they will be delivered to proper agency.

In Support of our Troops As the holiday season comes upon us, the students of our ECF Program will collect items to be sent to our Military in Afghanistan to let them know they are not forgotten. Please bring items is as soon as possible in order to transfer them to the proper organization. There will be no Bear Hugs collection this year. Here's a list of items needed:

• hand sanitizer • toothpaste • floss • eye drops
• mouthwash •shampoo • disposable razors • puzzle books
• deodorant • baby powder • white socks • Suduku
• shaving cream • Gold Bond powder • gum • sports magazines
• body wash • lip balm • hard candy

Today's Banquet For those who have been fortunate to secure tickets for today's Festive Banquet please know that the lower parking lot (off Market Street) will be open. Construction in the parking lot behind the church will limit the number of vehicles that we can accommodate. The parking lot across opposite the church on First Street can also be conveniently used.

Prayerful good wishes… are extended to the Parish Family of St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church Dunmore, PA on today's Centennial celebration of the founding of their Parish.

HONOR OUR VETERANS. This Friday, November 11 th , is a special day to honor America's Veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for our Nation's common good. We pray for them and thank the men and women who served or are now serving in the Military of our Country.”Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” –Winston Churchill.

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.”

"Every act of giving is a reward unto itself. Each time we share our gifts with others, we are glorifying God and are working for the salvation of the world. This simple belief is at the center of our faith. As Catholics, we understand that serving others is our way of constantly placing God first in our lives. As we go in peace throughout our daily lives, we must seek ways in which we can return to God what He has given to us."

Super Soup and Sandwich Special: Our Holy Name Society sponsors a special lunch on Sunday, November 13 th following the 11:00 a.m. Chapel Liturgy. The lunch is for everyone especially for those taking the Radio City bus trip. Price for the lunch: Nominal; a real bargain!!! Also, Please don't miss the bus : Those with reservations for next Sunday's Radio City Christmas Spectacular: the bus departs from our Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Approximate return time: 7:00 p.m.

October 30, 2011

DON'T MISS THIS NEXT SUNDAY…

Our Feastday Banquet

1:00 p.m. / Cathedral Auditorium

Tickets available following today's Liturgies

Please call the Rectory by Tuesday evening if you have not secured your ticket

Adults: $15.00 Children (under 12): $5.00

A Friendly Reminder: Our Radio City Christmas Spectacular is two weeks away, November 13 th . Please remember that the bus leaves our Chapel promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Super Soup and Sandwich Special: Our Holy Name Society sponsors a special lunch on Sunday, November 13 th following the 11:00 a.m. Chapel Liturgy. The lunch is for everyone especially for those taking the Radio City bus trip. Price for the lunch: Nominal; a real bargain!!!

Mark Your Calendar. The Ladies Guild of Holy Wisdom Church, Flanders, NJ, welcome everyone to their Fall Penny Auction, Friday, November 18 th . Doors open at 6:30 pm; Drawing begins at 7:30. Admission: $6. Many, many great prizes. Make the effort to visit our beautiful Sister Parish in the country…and watch out for deer crossings. Please support this wonderful event.

Our Prayerful Sympathy. Funeral Liturgies were celebrated this past week for +Peter Adamoyurka and +Jerry St. George. We offer to their families our condolences with an assurance that the light of our Lord's face now watches over them. May their memories be made Eternal

TIME CHANGE! This coming Saturday evening please be sure to set your clocks BACK an hour “Spring Ahead, Fall Back.” Enjoy the extra hour of rest and be sure to be on time for next Sunday's Liturgy.

The Post Office has issued the 2011 Christmas Stamp , depicting the Raphael painting of the Madonna of the Candelabra, showing the Madonna and Child. This tondo (circular painting), oil on panel, dates to around 1513 and is now in the collection of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. The Virgin and Child project the grace and serenity typical of Raphael's work. As a recognized master, Raphael ran a large and active workshop. Assistants certainly painted the angels (not shown on the stamp) flanking the central figures of Mary and the Infant Jesus, and possibly other parts. With your upcoming mailings during the Christmas season be sure to buy and use this religious stamp:

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!

October 23, 2011

In celebration of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and the 121st Anniversary of our Parish

Sunday, November 6 th , 2011

Cathedral Auditorium, 1:00 p.m.

Tickets available following Divine Liturgies

Adults: $15.00 Children (under 12): $5.00

We are not some casual or meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. – Pope Benedict XVI

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ.” – Gal 3:27.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is celebrated today following 11:00 a.m. Chapel Liturgy for the Servant of God, Victoria, new born daughter of Marek and Viktoria Samulka. May Viktoria and Marek, along with their “Gift from Heaven” now continue to grow in the knowledge, love and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!

The 2011 Eparchial Stewardship Appeal

"Lord, let us not be content to wait and see what will happen. Give us determination to make the right things happen. Give us courage to be either hot or cold, to stand for something, least we fall for anything.”

Broken To Make Space For Him! It is not always bad to be “broken.” Sometimes God has to break us a little in order to make space for Himself in our hearts to let the fragrance of His love pour into and out of us to others. Our hearts are like little fortified kingdoms where self and ego rules. Until they are broken there is no room for anything but our own passion, ambitions, and desires.

Jesus cannot set up His kingdom in the central part of us – our hearts – until there is an opening, until our hearts are broken. The break is what makes it possible for Jesus to enter and displace the selfishness in our hearts with His love.

Broken through repentance to experience the beauty of God's peace. Broken in weakness to experience the power of God's strength. Broken through suffering to experience the sweetness of God's grace. Broken to be made more holy.

The latest issue of ONE , the publication of the Catholic Near East Welfare Association is available to you in the Cathedral and Chapel vestibules. This (September) edition is always excellent reading material. Pick up your copy.

October 16, 2011

In celebration of the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel and the 121st Anniversary of our Parish

Sunday, November 6 th , 2011

Cathedral Auditorium, 1:00 p.m.

Tickets available following Divine Liturgies

Adults: $15.00 Children (under 12): $5.00

THE ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP OF OUR BIZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PASSAIC In just a matter of days the 2011 Stewardship Appeal of our Eparchy will begin. Every household of our Parish will receive Stewardship materials by mail; keep your eye on your mailbox. Carefully read the letter of Bishop William Skurla. Pray for guidance. Remember the Appeal serves our Eparchy and our Parish. Then, BEFORE you consider your commitment to the Appeal, LISTEN to the prompting of your heart. Last year we did, indeed, reach our assigned goal and with your LOVE , UNERSTANDING and GENEROSITY, we hopefully will accomplish the same.

October is Respect Life Month!

As United States citizens, we deplore the fact that our nation is at risk of forgetting the promise made to generations yet unborn by our Declaration of Independence: that our nation would respect life as first among the inalienable rights bestowed on us by our Creator: To uphold that promise, the nation's founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. We must do no less. - National Conference of Catholic Bishops

TODAY'S GOSPEL MESSAGE: Luke 8:5-15 A little girl sat at her grandmother's feet to listen to the creation story from the Book of Genesis. As the wondrous tale unfolded, the grandmother noticed that the child was unusually quiet. “Well, what do you think of it, dear?” she asked. “Oh, I love it,” the child answered, “you never know what God is going to do next.” That little girls was making a profound distinction between our preconceived notions of who God is and what He does, and who He really is and what He is really doing. It is the difference between being a passive listener to the revealed Word and an actual hearer of the revealed Word. It is the difference between some vague, general understanding that God has spoken, and an abiding conviction that God is speaking – right now, and to me!

This is the point of today's Gospel story of the sower. Jesus begins by stating the obvious: seed sown in good, fertile soil will be more productive than seed sown on barren ground of roky ground or ground that is full of thistles and weeds. The Lesson of the parable begins to emerge when Jesus likens the seed to the Word of God and the ground in which it is sown to the people to whom the Word is addressed .

October 9, 2011

October is Respect Life Month!

We believe every candidate, policy, and political platform should be measured by how they touch the human person; whether they enhance or diminish human life, dignity, and human rights: and how they advance the common good. – Board of the U.S. Catholic Bishops

Our Prayers for a dedicated Religious Servant of God. Sister Jacqueline Mary Hricz, SSMI, of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Sloatsburg, NY, was called to Eternal Life in her 80 th year, having served as a member of the Sisters Servants for 58 years. A dedicated, professional seamstress of liturgical vestments, Sister Jacqueline provided several sets of priestly vestments as well as altar cloths for our Chapel and Cathedral. The Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial for a Consecrated Religious Sister will be celebrated at St. Mary's Villa, Sloatsburg, NY on Monday, October 10 th at 11:00 a.m.

OUR FEASTDAY CELEBRATION! Every year, for the past 120 years, and now in our 121 st year, we mark and celebrate the Feast of the Archangel Michael, our Parish Patron, on Sunday, November 6 th, 2011. Banquet tickets (always moderately priced) following Divine Liturgies. One favor: please secure your tickets quickly in order that we may provide a realistic number of attendees for the Caterer.

JUST TO MAKE YOU AWARE. This week, probably until Thursday or Friday, Fr. Marcel will be visiting Family in Ohio. (The only state that's round on both sides and high in the middle!).

TODAY'S GOSPEL READING: “Jesus went to a town named Naim… a funeral procession was coming out. The dead man was the only son of a woman who was a widow… (Luke 7:11) “On seeing her, the Lord had pity on her…” if there is a word that can sum up the attitude of Jesus toward human misery, that word is compassion. To be compassionate is to be able to feel the misery of others, to suffer with others. And this is exactly what Jesus felt when he saw the funeral of the only son of a widowed mother. Her son was the only family left for her and with his death, she is all alone in the world. We remember another widow at the foot of the cross looking at the painful death of her only son. The Son still full of compassion entrusted her mother to the care of the beloved disciple: “Son, look at your mother.” Discipleship is following the way of the Compassionate One.

A Profound Thank You In behalf of our entire Parish Family, I extend special appreciation for the many devoted souls of our Parish who worked so diligently in preparing for last week's visit of the Seminarians and the majestic Concert which they performed. Also, to our Parishioners who welcomed them into their homes, and even provided the guests with FOOD! And, God Bless those who were able to attend the Slavonic Divine Liturgy and the afternoon Concert!!!

OUR HOLY NAME SOCIETY Members are asked to attend their Society Meeting today following the 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy!

TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR ARE NOW SOLD OUT: However, Pat Ditzig will take your name on a “waiting list” (first come, first serve basis) for any cancellations that may occur. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

October 2, 2011

Today: Respect Life Sunday!

October is Respect Life Month!

"God's love does not differentiate between the newly conceived infant still in his or her mother's womb and the child or young person, or the adult and the elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he sees an impression of his own image and likeness in each one."

- Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the 12 th General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, February 27, 2006

GUESS WHAT… The printer of our offertory envelopes apologizes for inserting a mistaken envelope reading “Offering for our 120 th Anniversary”, which appeared last year. St. Michael's, correctly, is celebrating the 121 st year. In any event you might choose to discard the envelope or perhaps, you may , according to you means, simply use the occasion to mark our 121 st year with a gift from your precious heart!

Our Feastday Banquet

Sunday, November 6 th , 2011

1:00 p.m. / Cathedral Auditorium

Tickets available following Liturgies – ASAP Please

OUR HOLY NAME SOCIETY Members are asked to attend their Society Meeting on Sunday, October 9 th following the 11:00 a.m. Chapel Divine Liturgy!

TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR ARE NOW SOLD OUT: However, Pat Ditzig will take your name on a “waiting list” (first come, first serve basis) for any cancellations that may occur. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

September 25, 2011

"Let the Earth be Glad"

European Seminary Choir to perform here at our Parish

Next Sunday, October 2, 2011 , our Cathedral Parish will host a special visit by the Seminary Choir of the Blessed Paul Gojdich Seminary in Presov, Slovakia. Our 9:00 a.m. Cathedral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in the Church Slavonic language, with responses by the Seminary Choir. A Concert at 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon, in our Cathedral auditorium (Bergen Street entrance) will include selections from liturgical services and religious hymns. Following the 3:00 o'clock Concert, a luncheon will be available. A free will offering for both the concert and reception that follows will be accepted. Several audio and video recordings of the seminary choir will also be available for purchase at the concert.

Big, Beautiful Chrysanthemums Beautiful splendid Mums, direct from our South Jersey grower may be picked up at our Chapel grounds after the 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Liturgies.

TODAY: The 34 th Annual New Jersey Slovak Heritage Festival - Doors open at 10 AM. Admission is free and there is plenty of free parking. Bishop Peter Rusnak of Bratislava will celebrate the Byzantine Catholic Liturgy in Slovak at 11:00A.M. All day: Soccer Tournament, Children's Entertainment, Slovak Ethnic food and Refreshments. PNC Arts Center is located off exit 116 of the Garden State Parkway in Holmdel, NJ. All are welcome to attend!

“COME AND SEE”… Young men 18-25 are invited to a FREE weekend retreat, Friday thru Sunday, October 7-8-9 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. No pressure, no hype, no boring lectures. Just recreation, relaxation, talking to God (a.k.a. prayer) – and the opportunity to really listen to his voice and plan your life. This worthwhile retreat of discovery in no way implies any future commitment, other than your commitment to truly be yourself. There is no expense involved in participating in this retreat except for travel – and of course your time, which certainly will prove to be well worth the effort. See Fr. Marcel to sign up for this FREE overnighter weekend, or visit www.archeparchy.org to download and print a brochure. Questions? E-mail the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Office of Vocations at vocations@archeparchy.org , or phone 412.231.4000, ext. 20.

My Law is Love!

God: Why do you think Simon Peter and the others were willing to leave everything to follow Jesus?

Me: Their hearts must have been filled in an awesome way! He seemed to embody everything they had most hoped for.

God: Right! Yet throughout their time with Him they would have to struggle to understand the life and love He offered them. The same is true of you.

September 18, 2011

Welcome to St. Michael's
2011 Picnic/Festival
The Lord Has Brought You Here!

Thank You for sharing your time with our Parish Family as we Celebrate this Annual Parish Festival

Our hard-working, dedicated Parishioners, and Friends of St. Michael's, have labored long and hard in preparing for this year's celebration. We are confident that their Labor of Love will provide a joyful and impressive experience for you. God Bless You for sharing your presence and your friendship with the Parish Family of St. Michael's! Indeed, Our Lord has brought you here!!

Big, Beautiful Chrysanthemums Beautiful splendid Mums, direct from our South Jersey grower may be picked up at our Chapel grounds.

“COME AND SEE”… Young men 18-25 are invited to a FREE weekend retreat, Friday thru Sunday, October 7-8-9 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. No pressure, no hype, no boring lectures. Just recreation, relaxation, talking to God (a.k.a. prayer) – and the opportunity to really listen to his voice and plan your life. This worthwhile retreat of discovery in no way implies any future commitment, other than your commitment to truly be yourself. There is no expense involved in participating in this retreat except for travel – and of course your time, which certainly will prove to be well worth the effort. See Fr. Marcel to sign up for this FREE overnighter weekend, or visit www.archeparchy.org to download and print a brochure. Questions? E-mail the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Office of Vocations at vocations@archeparchy.org , or phone 412.231.4000, ext. 20.

WITH OUR PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated yesterday for +Mary Huha. A good and faithful daughter of St. Michael's, she has fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection to Eternal Life. May the light of our Lord's face watch over our dear +Mary Huha. May her Memory be made Eternal!

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: Pat Ditzig, our ECF Coordinator, has reserved tickets for the Christmas Show at Radio City Musical Hall, New York City, on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Entrance tickets and transportation by chartered bus (from our Chapel parking lot) are a package deal of $59.00 . Only 4 (four) tickets left! Once the four tickets are sold Pat Ditzig will take your name on a “waiting list” (first come, first serve basis) for any cancellations that may occur. For reservations, please contact Pat at 973.773.5521.

PARAMUS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL… cordially invites 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade students and their parents to visit us during one of our Open Houses on Sunday, September 25 th, 2011, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and Wednesday, October 19 th from 7:00 -9:00 p.m.

The school is located at 425 Paramus Road, Paramus NJ. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 201.445.4466 ext. 104.

September 11, 2011

The Time of our Festival is at Hand

VERY VERY SPECIAL APPRECIATION is offered to Parishioners who are involved with the preparations for our Festival , especially in the kitchens of our Cathedral and Chapel. God Bless YOU for your dedicated and continued noble work!!!

Aside from live music at next Sunday's celebration at our Chapel grounds, two performances by the master magician “Xanadu” will be featured. All youngsters, ages 1 to 99 will be amazed at this terrific show. In addition to the exceptional gifts of the Tricky-Tray raffle, two LCD TV's will also be featured. AND, please pass the word around that 700 (seven hundred) MUM plants will be on sale during the 3-day event. Finally, as advertised “Rain OR Shine,” we hope and pray for clement weather on the celebration days…

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Our Prayerful congratulations to our Parishioners celebrating a special wedding anniversary this year. They join Bishop William Skurla at today's special Marriage Divine Liturgy and celebration at St. Mary's Church, Hillsborough, NJ.

GRANDPARENTS ARE SPECIAL! Today is National Grandparents Day! Grandparents are special…Grandparents are always caring, always sharing. Grandparents make a difference. Grandparents make smiles happen! God Bless all Grandparents of our Parish on their Special Day!

IT'S BAKING WEEK! This is THE PERFECT WEEK for your specialty baked goods to be featured at our Festival/Picnic cake and pastry booth! May you be encouraged by your Guardian Angel to put your hearts and hands together and make your best, award-winning baked goods for our 3-day celebration! May Our Lord bless you for your hands which create and your precious hearth which loves!

TODAY'S GOSPEL: Bronze Serpent The Bronze Serpent or Brazen Serpent on a Cross is a symbol for Jesus. In John 3:14-15, Jesus said, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

Jesus was referring to an Old Testament story, when God sent poisonous serpents because the Israelites grumbled impatiently in the desert. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.' So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live” (Numbers 21:8-9).

PRAYER REQUEST Fr. Michael Mondik, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Rahway, has been diagnosed with a bone marrow cancer. Please, I repeat, please offer your prayers of support and recovery for Fr. Michael. Miracles will happen if we ask for them.

NEWS FROM THE PATERSON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN The Council of Catholic women will hold their Biennial Convention on Saturday, September 24, 2011 beginning at 10:00 a.m., St. Gerard Majella Church, Paterson. A full course luncheon will follow at the Brownstone, Paterson. Tickets ($35.00) and information may be obtained from Ann Kveglis @ 973.227.4814 on or before September 20 th .

September 4, 2011

United Devotion and Prayer. This weekend we join in prayer with those who are attending the Pilgrimage at Mt. St. Macrina, Uniontown, PA. This Pilgrimage is a reminder that, as church, we are a pilgrim people on a holy journey whose safe destination is union with our Divine Lord. We are confident that our own parish pilgrims will pray for us and our entire parish family.

A FAITHFUL SERVANT. Our Lord told us, “Come to me, all who labor….and I will give you rest.” The servant of God, +Michael Petricko , responded to our Lord's words by his faithfulness and dedication to his Family and to his Parish Family. The Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated this past week in our Cathedral Church. To Michael's dear Family we offer Condolences and Prayerful Sympathy, knowing that our Lord will give Michael Petricko rest and the blessing of an eternal reward. May the light of our Lord's face now watch over him.

Celebrate Labor Day Labor Day, first celebrated in 1882, provides a day of rest for working Americans, showing their importance to the country's well-being.

Christians see work as a gift and command from God. Adam was put in the Garden to “till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Even Jesus chose workers to help carry out his mission.

Rest is just as significant as work. God commanded us to rest one day each week (Exodus 20:10). The Sabbath is a time for worship, family activities, renewal and recuperation.

Labor Day is a reminder to be grateful for the creativity, ingenuity, minds and muscle power of countless workers — all gifts of God. That's worth setting aside a day to appreciate.

Bless the students Dear Lord Jesus, bless the children and youth of our Parish, returning to their schools and colleges. May your Holy Spirit enlighten their minds, purify their vision and strengthen their wills. Protect them as they learn in the classroom and participate in activities outside it. May they learn to follow in your steps, just as you grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Amen.

You Are Cordially Invited to

St. Michael's Annual Parish Festival

St. Michael Chapel grounds: 415 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Friday & Saturday, Sunday, (Rain or Shine)

September 16 th and 17 th , 2011 September 18 th , 2011

4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 12:00 Noon – 6:00 p.m.

WE ARE AT THE DOORSTEP OF OUR ANNUAL FESTIVAL. A busy time for us with preparation, and with the help of Our Lord, we can certainly do a wonderful job. Please be so kind to pick up Posters available in the Church and Chapel vestibules and have them placed in your local stores. Also, Pirohi will be made in the Cathedral Kitchen (Passaic) on the 8 th , 9 th & 10 th of September and your precious help is needed. Additionally, home-baked cakes & pastries are so necessary and St. Michael's depends on your kindness and generosity. Please pray for good weather, invite your friends and neighbors and let them know that St. Michael's offers a wonderful, family-orientated Festival/Picnic!

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