Here’s What’s Happening at St. Peter’s
→ Returning to Grace: A Pastoral Letter on the Eucharist from Cardinal Tobin
→ Bergen County to Begin Offering Seniors Rides to Vaccine Appointments!
→ NJ COVID-19 Vaccine Information
→ Pope Francis – A Crisis Reveals What Is In Our Hearts
→ Directives for Priests Regarding Covid-19 Exposure or Positive Test
→ Memo from Cardinal Tobin on Maintaining Vigilance Against COVID-19
The rectory office is available to take care of your requests by phone. Please call 201-261-3366 Monday-Friday 9am-3pm.
The following PDF(s) include the Nicene Creed and the hymns for this Sunday’s and special masses (holy days, etc), which can be used in the absence of hymnals. You can either print it at home to take to mass with you, or view it on your phone at mass if you prefer.
If you do bring printed sheets with you to mass, please be sure to take them home with you after mass. For sanitary purposes, do not leave your sheets in the pews. Thank you!
Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 9, 2021
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Growing in Faith
Book Club
On May 26th, St. Peter’s is starting a Growing in Faith Book Club. The first book is Living the Fruit of the Spirit: How God’s Grace Can Transform Your World by Joshua M. Danis. Please join us as we explore the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Wednesdays:
May 26
June 2
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
Time:
7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
For this inaugural book, it will be distributed at no expense and the meetings will be via Zoom (until we can meet in person!). As space is limited, please reserve your place by contacting Deacon Paul Kazanecki at pkazanecki@saint-peter.org or contact the Rectory at 201-261-3366.
Calling all ushers! We are happy to announce that the Ushers will be returning to minister at all of the weekend Masses commencing the weekend of June 5th/June 6th. Please contact Deacon Paul at pkazanecki@saint-peter.org or call the Rectory at 201-261-3366 so that we may ensure that all Masses are covered.
Evening of Peace and
Friendship on ZOOM
Please plan to join us in casual conversation and discussion about the upcoming Sunday Scripture and its relevance in our lives. We look forward to your sharing this time with us.
An Evening of Peace & Friendship
Scheduled on ZOOM
Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 PM
All are welcomed — there is nothing to join. Please email SCC@saint-peter.org for the link and passcode to the ZOOM meeting.
St. Peter’s has begun a telephone outreach to our parishioners who may need assistance. It is called “Care Calls.” It is an opportunity to check in, make sure you are okay and if you are in any specific need. Prayer support will be offered if desired, including an opportunity to schedule a lay Eucharistic visit or clergy visit.
If you are able and willing to volunteer by making phone calls to our parishioners, please let us know of your interest by completing our online sign-up form below. You may also leave a message with Donna Grotheer, at 201-261-3366 ext. 209.
Due to the nature of this outreach, volunteer callers must be at least 21 years old.
If you would like to add a name to our Book of Intentions, please enter the person’s name below, and optionally a short description of the reason, if you wish to include it.
Our priests will include your intention(s) in their daily mass.
To add additional names after sending your first entry, just enter the next name and click “Submit” again as needed.
Ministry Profile:
Respect Life
Faithful Stewards in the time of COVID
The challenges of the past year have given us all a more acute perspective on the gift of life and the loved ones who share that gift with us. The Respect Life Ministry is especially aware of this.
“Hopefully the world has had to stop and think about what’s important,” reflects ministry leader Maria Brockmeier. “So many lives were lost during the pandemic. I hope that people are thinking more about the lives that matter and about the issues that matter.”
For The Respect Life Ministry, the issues that matter all come down to one certainty: “Every life is sacred,” says Brockmeier. “Made by God Himself and created in His own image and likeness.” With tremendous empathy and selflessness, the ministry has been actively supporting people facing both start of life and end of life challenges.
Meeting through Zoom, the ministry has worked to continue to be a resource to the community. The Ministry once again organized the annual St. Peter’s Mother’s Day Baby Shower collecting baby items, diapers, and monetary donations for local crisis pregnancy centers. Throughout the quarantine, many members of the Respect Life Committee have continued to volunteer at crisis pregnancy centers such as Birthright in Maywood and New Hope Pregnancy in Westwood. In addition, members have participated in the “40 Days for Life Campaign” praying the rosary while social distancing outside the abortion clinic in Hackensack and they have peacefully protested the Reproductive Freedom Act at various locations.
Unfortunately, the ministry had to postpone guest speaker Chris Bell, founder of Good Counsel Homes which houses and helps women in crisis pregnancies. They hope to reschedule Bell so that he may share his inspiring message. The ministry was also unable to screen the movie “Unplanned” during the “Lenten Afternoon at the Movies”. In place of the public screening, the ministry will make arrangements to drop off the DVD at any parishioner’s home.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, Jeremiah 1:5,” quotes Brockmeier modestly stating the values of the ministry. Though she speaks with great humility about the work of the Respect Life Ministry, the ministry’s actions reflect the enormity of the support offered by the members. “I do what I can. I volunteer and I do my part,” says Brockmeier. “The rest is up to God.”
The Respect Life Ministry’s next meeting will be Monday, Sept.13th at 7pm on Zoom. If anyone is interested in joining our Respect Life Ministry, please email Maria Brockmeier:
brockmeier@verizon.net
May 2, 2021
Telephone Outreach
April 25, 2021
Youth Ministry
April 18, 2021
Evenings of Peace and Friendship
April 11, 2021
Lectors
April 4, 2021
Harrison House
March 28, 2021
Singles Support Group
March 21, 2021
Faith Formation
March 14, 2021
Rosary Society
March 7, 2021
Music Ministry
February 28, 2021
The St. Peter’s Food Pantry
At all masses the weekend of May 8th/9th, the Respect Life Committee will be sponsoring the parish’s annual “Baby Shower” for expectant mothers in crisis pregnancies. We will be collecting diapers, baby clothing, blankets, and monetary donations.
Please bring only new items and make any checks payable to “St. Peter The Apostle Parish.” You can drop off donations until 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 9.
All items and monies will be donated to local crisis pregnancy centers. These centers offer invaluable counseling services and resources to expectant mothers in need. Every year, our parish is able to make a tremendous contribution to these young families. Please note that diapers (any sizes) are ALWAYS in need and monetary contributions will go a long way in helping those in need.
For more information, or if you have any questions about what items to bring, please feel free to contact Maria Brockmeier at brockmeier@verizon.net. Thanks in advance for your extraordinary generosity this year!
Please take just one minute to contact your representative in Congress. Please tell them to support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act:
Click here to send an email with just one click!
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Read Cardinal Tobin’s Letter:
Cardinal Tobin on Why the Catholic Church opposes the Reproductive Freedom Act
Cardinal Tobin Calls us to Action:
Please visit the New Jersey Right to Life page ( https://njrtl.org ) to find a pre-written letter to our state senator and assemblypeople (Lagana, Swain and Tully). Just provide your name and address, and all three will receive an email. Please stand up for life.
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Archdiocese of Newark
Respect Life Office
Hosting Martha’s Vineyards Retreats
“Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.”
(Pope Francis)
The Church can also be a place to heal. We are called to “be merciful like the Father.”
So many are suffering from the effects of abortion. Where can they heal? Where can they feel safe and loved? The Archdiocese of Newark Respect Life Office will be hosting two upcoming Rachel’s Vineyard retreats to heal the wounds from abortion.
Retreat Date:
May 14-16, 2021 (English)
Contact the Respect Life Office for more details by calling 973-497-4350 (Spanish option 2) or e-mail:
Cheryl.riley@rcan.org (English)
elvinedoderaquelinfo@rcan.org (Spanish)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
(Psalm 147:3)
* All Covid-19 Guidelines will be followed
_____________________________
RADICAL NJ LEGISLATION PROPOSED
The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey have issued a statement opposing S3030/A4848, the so-called “Reproductive Freedom Act.” Visit NJ Catholic for more information. You can easily contact legislators through Lifenet Education.
For more information about respect life at St. Peter’s, contact Maria at brockmeier@verizon.net .
“Never tire of firmly speaking out in defense of life from its conception and do not be deterred from the commitment to defend the dignity of every human person with courageous determination. Christ is with you: be not afraid!” – St. John Paul II
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” – Jeremiah 1:5
Last spring the pandemic cancelled the Respect Life Committee’s Lenten Afternoon at the Movies event featuring the movie “Unplanned.” Because restrictions still apply, we are making the movie available for home viewing.
If you would like to borrow the DVD, please email Maria Brockmeier at brockmeier@verizon.net who will be happy to drop it off at your house and pick it up after you’ve viewed it.
Altar Bread, Wine and Lamp
2021 Availability
The Altar Bread, Wine or Lamp are available for a number of weeks in 2021 to reserve in memory of a loved one. The offering is $20 per item per week. Your memorial will be printed under the Mass Intentions in the weekly bulletin for the week you reserve.
Please call the rectory at 201-261-3366 to find out the open weeks and to reserve in your loved one’s name. After reserving your date, your offering can be made by check, or for your convenience, you can submit your offering online securely at Faith Direct One-Time Donation.
The outpouring of support we receive in our Annual Appeal from many parishioners like you helps sustain the important ministries across the Archdiocese of Newark. These programs help to make our own parish a more vibrant place of worship. If you have yet to give, please pick up a pledge form at the back of the church or visit rcan.org/sharing. Thank you for your prayers and support.
The rectory office is asking for your help in updating your contact information so that we can send you important parish communications by email. We ask that you please take a moment to click on the link below to update your family’s preferred email address and phone number. Thank you for helping us keep our records current.
Quick Links
Mass Schedule
On the Lord’s Day
Saturday:
5:00 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(10AM Mass Livestreamed)
Daily
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM
(Wednesday Mass Livestreamed)
Saturday Morning:
9:00 AM
Holy Days of Obligation
7:30 PM Vigil (evening before)
9:00 AM on Holy Day
Sacrament of
Reconciliation
Saturday:
11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
GIVING TO ST. PETER'S
Connect
Senior Residence
Notices
"At Risk" Residents Wanted
River Edge is committed to helping “at risk” residents during serious emergencies, for example, during a massive power outage with significant snow accumulation. However, rendering assistance requires knowing who needs help.
“At risk” residents include (but are not limited to) the homebound elderly, living alone or health care aides. Residents of any age with serious health issues, such as a child or adult on a respirator, or those who might need special medications, etc.
If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who you believe would be “at risk” in a serious emergency, PLEASE ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTACT River Edge Health Nurse Arlene Faustini, at (201) 599-6289 for inclusion on her CONFIDENTIAL list.
River Edge Library Homebound Delivery
River Edge Library
Homebound Delivery Service
The River Edge Library has a volunteer-run delivery service to residents of River Edge who are unable to visit the library due to limited mobility, illness or disability. For more information, please visit:
For River Edge Residents
River Edge Residents
Stay Connected – Stay Informed!
Click Here to find out how you can receive Police Alerts & Emergency Updates as well as Borough Related Activities & Program via text and/or email.
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
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