Here’s What’s Happening at St. Peter’s


Advent Taize
Music ♦ Silence ♦ Prayer
Wednesdays
December 4th, 11th and 18th
The Liturgical Season of Advent is a time for us to focus on the coming of our Lord. It is a time for us to reflect back and celebrate the anniversary of the Lords first coming into this world. It is also a time for us to prepare that our Lord will come again and we must be ready to meet Him.
We invite you to join us for song and prayer as we enter into this joyful season of preparation and hope.

Help Needed for
St. Martin’s Kitchen
Saturday, December 14: All who wish to participate are invited to join us. We will assemble in the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and return to River Edge by 2:30 p.m. In order to ensure that we will have enough volunteers, we would ask that all who intend to go call Ed Bowen at 201-599-3112. Your generous response is appreciated.

Care for the
Caregiver Meeting
Care for the Caregivers is an outreach ministry to caregivers which offers spiritual and emotional support as well as resources and information to those with families of our own caring for loved ones while also caring for aging or ill parents or other family members. Known as “The Sandwich Generation,” we often neglect our own physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The support sessions are led by Lenore Guido, Social Worker/ Bereavement Coordinator at Holy Name Hospice and Palliative Care Community, and joined by Donna Grotheer and Chris Black.
Next Gathering:
Tuesday, December 17
7:00 PM
Celebration of Mass in the Chapel
In order for us to plan properly, we ask that you register by calling the rectory at 201-261-3366, emailing cblack@saint-peter.org, or using the convenient registration form below. But keep in mind that the doors to St. Peter’s are always open in case you make a last minute decision to join us.
We hope you will join us for these enlightening and reflecting evenings. May you find comfort and strength through Our Lord, Jesus.
2019
All Meetings in the Parish Center (unless noted) – 7:00-9:00 PM
September 17
October 15
November 12 – School Mtg. Rm.
December 17 – Chapel
2020
January 14
February 18
March 17
April 14
May 5 (make-up date, if needed)

Simbang Gabi
2019 Mass
Simbang Gabi 2019 Mass
Parishioners, families and friends are invited to the traditional Simbang Gabi (Evening Advent Mass) on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 7:30 pm. Food and refreshments will be served after the mass in the Parish Center.
Please free to share your favorite Filipino dish/dessert.

Advent Evenings of
Peace & Friendship
Advent Evenings of Peace & Friendship Schedule (7:30 PM):
Nov 26 – Chapel
Dec 3 – Chapel
Dec 10 – Chapel
Dec 17 – Casazza Center
Come join us as we gather together to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season in a relaxed series of Tuesday evening gatherings. Each week we’ll spend time discussing how the Advent Gospels fit into our daily lives and conclude by enjoying each other’s company casually over refreshments.
Come as often you wish. There’s no-commitment and nothing to join. It’s a great way to both explore your Faith and get to know your fellow Parishioners better.
Please RSVP by using the form below to let us know you are coming so we can prepare. You can sign up each week as your schedule permits, or all at once if you know which evenings you can attend:
2019
All Meetings in the Chapel – 7:30 PM
unless noted
Sept 10
Oct 8
Nov 12
Advent
Nov 26
Dec 3
Dec 10
Dec 17 – Casazza Center
2020
Jan 14
Feb 11
Lent
Feb 25
Mar 3
Mar 10
Mar 17
Mar 24
Mar 31
Apr 14
May 12 – Parish Center (Rm3-4)
June 9 – Parish Center (Rm3-4)

Advent Collection for
St. Peter’s Pantry
ANGELS WE HAVE HERD ON HIGH
The angels have heard the cry of so many who are hurting this Christmas season. They are praying that we too can hear their cry. Once again this Advent, Rev. Stephen E. Sweet (Grace Lutheran Church) and Rev. Michael J. Sheehan (St. Peter’s RC Church) are inviting our church families to HERD together and join these angels, so together we can respond to the various needs that affect our neighbors.
Join with St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church and Grace Lutheran Church, as we together, remember why we are celebrating and for whom we are waiting. During the weeks of Advent, we will be collecting for the St. Peter’s Pantry the following:
Dec. 1, Week 1: toiletries, diapers, shampoo, dish & laundry detergents
Dec. 8, Week 2: coats, hats, gloves, scarfs,
Dec. 15, Week 3: gift cards, monetary gifts (bring to rectory)
Dec. 22, Week 4: cheese, peanut butter, tuna fish, hearty soups, and eggs (if bringing perishables, please meet by blue food pantry bin at 9:30am)
Please drop everything by St. Peter’s blue food pantry bin, except where noted.
Open my heart, gracious God,
to the needs of those around me,
so I too, may be HERD on high!!
Ushers are the first to welcome parishioners and guests to St. Peter’s. They fulfill a vital role in our celebration of the Liturgy at weekend Masses and especially at Christmas when we have many visitors.
Ushers are requested to sign-up for a Christmas Day Mass. Also, we are inviting women, men, and young adults to join our Usher Ministry to assist at the following Christmas Masses:
Tuesday, December 24th
4:30, 7:00 and 10:00 PM
Wednesday, December 25th
8:00, 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
Registration is easy: Click here to use the Sign-Up Genius online form to select the Mass and time at which you would like to serve. You may also sign-up by calling the Rectory at 201-261-3366.
If this is your first time serving as an Usher, Deacon Paul will provide a short informational session in the Church on Thursday, December 12th and Thursday, December 19th at 7:30 PM. Please come to the session of your choice.

Family Shelter Ministry
Hosting Week
St. Peter’s will be hosting parents and children from Family Promise during the week of January 19, 2020 – January 25, 2020. With support from Temple Avodat Shalom, First Congregational Church and St. Joe’s, we will provide a home filled with love, delicious meals, lots of activities and support.
At this time, it is not confirmed how many families we are expecting. We are in need of volunteers for setup on Saturday, 1/18, and several different tasks on Friday & Saturday, 1/23 & 1/24, as well as breakdown on Sunday morning 1/25 after the families leave.
Please consider taking some time to volunteer, to participate as well as to donate much needed items to stock our pantry for the week. This is a great opportunity for families to volunteer together for a great cause! Sign up below:
Quick Links
Mass Schedule
On the Lord’s Day
Saturday:
5:30 PM
Sunday:
8:00, 9:30 and11:00 AM, 12:30 PM
A Senior Citizen Bus
runs for the 11:00 AM Mass
Daily
Monday to Friday:
8:00 and 11:30 AM
Saturday Morning:
9:00 AM
Holy Days of Obligation
7:30 PM Vigil (evening before)
8:00 and 11:30 AM
on Holy Day
Sacrament of
Reconciliation
Saturday:
11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
GIVING TO ST. PETER'S
Notices
Cardinal Tobin: Transparency & Healing
Archdiocese of Newark: Commitment to Transparency and Healing
“The release of names of clergy with a credible allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor is part of our ongoing commitment to be transparent to help bring healing to the victims and to help restore trust in the leadership of Catholic Church. Additionally, the disclosure of the names is part of our ongoing commitment to protect our children and to ensure safe environments for minors.
The list is the result of an extensive review of the Archdiocese’s records by an Archdiocesan review team and outside legal counsel to identify allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Archdiocese dating back to 1940. The disclosure of this list of names is not an endpoint in our process – it is a beginning.
We express genuine sorrow and regret to the victims who put their trust in a member of the Church only to have that trust so profoundly betrayed.
We must protect our children, first, foremost, and always.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., February 13, 2019
Report on Parish Listening Session
Caution: Email and Texting Scams
Continuing Caution Concerning Email and Texting Scams
There has been an increase in the number of fraudulent emails across the country. Financial losses can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars and are often uninsured.
Recently we have received notification of email and text scams that will use the name of a pastor to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations.
The email usually includes no recipients’ name, and asks for financial help for a worthy cause. The pastor’s name concludes the request.
Several of our pastors have already heard from parishioners who have received emails or text messages, seemingly from the pastor, asking for donations.
Our parishes and schools do not raise money in this manner so please exercise the utmost caution when receiving this type of communication.
Law enforcement agencies urge parishioners to question any email or text that doesn’t come from a person in their contacts. If a pastor’s name is used, parishioners should contact the parish to verify the legitimacy of the appeal.
Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of scam is urged to contact their local police department.
Outside St. Peter’s
Help New Moms at New Hope
We offer outreach to first-time single moms who are in crisis and call upon us for assistance. Please see our web site www.newhopeprc.org to learn more about our all-volunteer program and our Pregnancy Resource Center. Read about some of our many moms who rely on your generosity to make ends meet. Come visit our Center at 149 Third Avenue, Westwood, NJ. If you have a passion for pro-life, please consider volunteering. If you know anyone in need, we are here to help. E-mail us at info@newhopeprc.org or call us at (201) 722-4705.
Police Reserves Needs Volunteers
Volunteers Needed to Join the River Edge Police Reserves
Make a difference; give us your time and talent!
The River Edge Police Department is currently seeking volunteers to join their dedicated team of Police Reserve officers. The Police Reserves are civilian volunteers trained to support and contribute to the overall safety and protection of the community. The Reserve force provides the department with extra manpower on a regular basis that can be deployed quickly for critical incidents and other emergency situations that require more officers than would otherwise be available.
Applications to become an Officer in the River Edge Police Reserves are accepted year round and can be picked up in person at the River Edge Police Department Headquarters.
Knights of Columbus Membership
The Knights of Columbus are inviting all Catholic gentlemen over the age of 18 to join our organization for promoting our guiding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The River Edge Knights serve the Parish of Saint Peters the Apostle and local community by volunteering their time and treasure in assisting the poor, disabled and disenfranchised, as well as programs for supporting our youth. Please contact Bob Garcia on: 201-262-7766, or via Email: kofcriveredge@gmail.com, or on our website: www.kofcriveredge.com for more information. We look forward to welcoming you!
LIONS Needed!
The River Edge Lions Club is in need of some new members due to a recent drop in enrollment (retirement, relocation, other obligations). The Club does much to help the visually impaired, families in need, schools, scouts, recreation, and other community organizations as well as national and international causes. “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” Please join in helping others. The Lions meet at the River Edge Diner on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of September through June. Please call Lorraine or Mike Blake at 201-967-1289 for more information.
Bergen Volunteers Needed
The Bergen Volunteer Center turns caring into meaningful action by engaging volunteers to meet community needs. We can provide your members with information about a multitude of choices for a rewarding volunteer experience. Individual volunteer opportunities, group projects, family-friendly volunteering, student or school volunteer ideas—The Volunteer Center can help in choosing an activity that is a good match for a person’s talents, interests and availability. Our website (www.bergenvolunteers.org) lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities in and around Bergen County.
Eucharistic Ministers/Pastoral Visitors
The Pastoral Care Department of Hackensack University Medical Center is in great need of Eucharistic Ministers/Pastoral Visitors to bring Holy Communion and visit our patients. If you feel called to this wonderful ministry, to bring Jesus and your own presence into the rooms of the sick, please contact Rev. David Armstrong – Director, Pastoral Care, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 – 551-996-2345.
Request for Hospice Volunteers
Life Source Hospice is seeking volunteers to be part of our elderly patients’ end-of-life care. Volunteers serve as friendly bedside visitors to patients throughout Bergen County and provide them with much appreciated companionship by sitting, listening and praying with them. Volunteers also provide support to family members.
Volunteers determine their own schedules and can visit patients during the daytime hours during the week and weekends. Most volunteers donate 2 hours a week of their time for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers receive ongoing hospice training and support by experienced hospice professionals. For more information, please contact Life Source Hospice at #201-523-9745 or kiplifesourcehospice@gmail.com
Birthright: Help for New Moms Needed
Birthright of Bergen County, a crisis pregnancy center dedicated to encouraging and helping women choose life for their babies, is in need of volunteers to share their time and love for God’s miracle of life. Birthright provides community resources, clothes, diapers and financial help to women. Volunteers are needed in the office at 19 W Pleasant Ave, Maywood to greet, help and support mothers-to-be that come in or call in. If you have time and would like to volunteer, please call Mary Pat or Barbara at 201-845-4646.
Catholic Chaplaincy Volunteers Needed
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Bergen Regional Medical Center, Paramus, needs volunteers to: transport long-term residents to and from hospital Masses, to be friendly visitors to those confined to bed or wheelchairs, and to set up and take down altar items for hospital Masses on Saturdays (3:30 PM) and Sundays (11:15 AM). If you are 18 years of age or older and wish to volunteer, please contact Fr. Edito Gamallo at 201-414-0522 or Fr. John Quill at 201-421-0009 for more information. God will reward you for your kindness.
St. Peter Academy News
Jan. 11, 2020: Annual Beefsteak
Annual NFL Playoff
Beefsteak Dinner
Saturday, January 11, 2020
4:00 PM
Both scheduled NFL Playoff Games
now shown on 2 theater screens at each end of the gym!
All you can eat beefsteak during
the 1st game
Premium keg beer
Pasta, fries and a variety of snacks
Pizza served during 2nd game
Mixers bar with attendant
Tickets:
Premium Location
Pre-Sale Tables available:
$650 for table of 10
or $520 for table of 8
Individual Pre-Sale Tickets: $70
Pay at the Door Individual Tickets: $80
Order forms are available at the doors of the church, or click here to download and print the order form pdf.
Adopt-A-Student Fund
Give the Gift of a Catholic Education
A Catholic education is a powerful tool for any child’s future, but for some children it is not financially within reach of their family. This is where the parishioners of St. Peter’s Church can give the opportunity of Catholic schooling to a child at St. Peter Academy by making a donation to our school’s Adopt-a-Student Fund. Any donation, big or small, can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life. Please make checks out to St. Peter Academy – Adopt a Student Fund and mail to the school at 431 Fifth Avenue, River Edge, NJ 07661.
Ongoing
The Seniors of St. Peter's
For Ages 55+
2nd Sunday of the Month
After the 11:00 AM Mass
In the Parish Center
St. Peter's Youth Group
Every Sunday, 7:00 PM in the Youth Room
St. Peter's MoMS Group
MoMS Group
(Ministry of Mothers Sharing)
Weekly on Wednesdays
September to June
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Casazza Center (in the Rectory)
All are welcome!
St. Peter's Singles Support Group
St. Peter’s Support Group for Separated, Divorced, Single and Widowed Adults
1st and 3rd Thursdays / month
7:30 PM
St. Peter Academy Meeting Room
All are welcome!
In addition to meetings and giving support when needed, we also travel both locally and internationally and socialize with activities during the week and weekends.
For more information and upcoming events, visit:
www.support-group-nj.com
Parents Support Group
Support Group for Parents
Grieving the Death of a Child
Third Monday of each month
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Rectory
No preregistration and no fee
Project Linus
Crocheters and knitters meet weekly on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 January through early June in the Casazza Center which is in the basement of the rectory. We make afghans, which are donated through the local chapter of Project Linus to sick and needy babies. All who are interested are welcome.
Any question, email:
carols713@yahoo.com
St. Peter's Quilters