Here’s What’s Happening at St. Peter’s
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The Rectory and Faith Formation Phone system are experiencing problems due to the storm on Friday. We have been working with our phone technicians on this issue. Meanwhile, calls are currently being directed to a voicemail and then forwarded to us by email. If you need to reach us, you can either leave a voicemail, or email reception@saint-peter.org for the rectory and ehanrahan@saint-peter.org for Faith Formation. We are also here in the rectory office Monday -Friday 9am-3pm for any needs. Thank you for your patience.
→ Updated Directives During the Covid-19 Pandemic – July 3-4, 2021
→ The Signup Genius for Mass Attendance is no longer needed.
→ New COVID Directives for Mass Attendance from the Archdiocese of Newark
→ STATEMENT OF THE NEW JERSEY BISHOPS: Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass
→ 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
The rectory office is available to take care of your requests by phone. Please call 201-261-3366 Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.
Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday, December 8
Masses:
Tuesday, December 7:
7:30 PM Vigil
Wednesday, December 8:
9:00 AM
The Nativity of the Lord
Masses on Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24
4:00 PM – Carols
4:30 PM – Mass
7:00 PM – Mass
9:30 PM – Carols
10:00 PM – Evening Mass
Masses on Christmas Day
Saturday, December 25
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rectory Closed: December 24 and 25
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
New Year’s Eve
Friday, December 31 – 5:00 PM
New Year’s Day
Saturday, January 1
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Rectory Closed: December 31 and January 1
Individual Reconciliation (Confessions)
Every Saturday during Advent
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Deanery 3 Reconciliations
Click here for schedule
Advent Taízé Prayer
Wednesday Evenings
12/1, 12/8, 12/15
7:00 PM – in the Church
Advent Evenings of Peace & Friendship
11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14
7:30 PM – in the Chapel
The Nativity of the Lord
Masses on Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24
4:00 PM – Carols
4:30 PM – Mass
7:00 PM – Mass
9:30 PM – Carols
10:00 PM – Evening Mass
Masses on Christmas Day
Saturday, December 25
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rectory Closed: December 24 and 25
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
New Year’s Eve
Friday, December 31 – 5:00 PM
New Year’s Day
Saturday, January 1
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Rectory Closed: December 31 and January 1
Advent Taízé Prayer
Wednesdays
Advent Taízé Prayer
Wednesday Evenings
12/8, 12/15 – 7:00 PM
in the Church
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 as we enter into this joyful season of preparation and hope.
Online Annual
Advent Giving Tree
Online Annual Giving Tree 2021:
Return Gifts by December 19th
Sign-Up Genius forms have been created listing the requested gift items for families within our community, and h.i.p. (Heightened Independence and Progress) — Individuals living independently in spite of their disabilities
As in the past, Gift Cards are a valuable resource for those we are helping through this Christmas season. Please bring unwrapped gifts and gift cards to the Gathering Space at any time, but no later than Sunday, December 19th.
If you prefer to donate gift cards, mail or drop off your donation at the Rectory, c/o Chris Black and we will purchase the gift card(s) for you. Contact Chris Black at cblack@saint-peter.org or 201-261-3366 if you have any questions.
Sign Up Genius Links:
Gifts for Household and Gift Cards
During this season of Hope, we ask that you take a moment to read about those who will benefit from your generosity this Christmas. This is a partial list. We are collecting for individuals with disabilities struggling to live independently, a shelter for teens, and local needs:
Advent Evenings of
Peace and Friendship
Advent Evenings of Peace & Friendship
in the Chapel or on ZOOM at 7:30 PM
In celebration of the season Advent and in preparation for the birth of Christ and His second coming, the SCC CORE committee will host “an ADVENT Evening of Peace & Friendship” on the following Tuesdays:
November 23
November 30
December 7
December 14
All are welcome — there is nothing to join. Please email SCC@saint-peter.org for the link and passcode to the ZOOM meeting if you don’t plan to attend in person.
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.
Eucharistic Adoration
1st Friday of the Month
Monthly Eucharistic Adoration
Friday, December 3, 2021
Saint Peter’s monthly first Friday Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament devotion will take place in the chapel on Friday, December 3rd immediately following the 9:00 am Mass. All parishioners are welcome and encouraged to pray before the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration devotion.
To date, the response from the parish to this new devotion has been overwhelming and we thank all those who have participated! We still have a need for adores, particularly for the first hour (9am-10am). If you are interested, please contact Pat and Paul Lowenwirth at (201) 370-8754 or lowenwirth@aol.com.
“The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him and make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring everlasting peace on earth”.
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
We continue to be thankful and excited about this new devotion and ask that you consider participating in this adoration of Jesus in any way possible. We thank you for your ongoing interest and participation.
SPA SCRIP Sale
Through Dec. 10
Do Your Shopping from Home!!
St. Peter Academy is once again selling Gift Cards just in time for all your Christmas and Holiday Shopping! We have HUNDREDS of gift card which may be ordered including all your favorite stores – Amazon, Dunkin, Starbucks, Target, Shop Rite, Macy’s ! American Express and Visa Cards are also available WITH NO ACTIVATION FEE!
Click here for the 2021 Order Form
(pdf)
All orders must be received by Friday, December 10th. You may also place your order online. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Donohue at TDonohue@spare.org. Thank-you for your support of St. Peter Academy!
St. Peter’s Seniors
December Meeting
St. Peter’s Seniors will meet on December 12th after the 10:00 mass. In what has become an Advent tradition, the seniors group will once again host a “Nativity Activity.” During our December meeting, we will package bits of Straw from the Church’s Creche to share with our parishioners. Everyone is then invited to “prepare Him Room” by adding the blest straw to their own nativity. Refreshments will be served. Please join us. We had a lot of fun doing this last year. Let’s make it a tradition.
Ushers Needed for
Christmas Masses
USHERS NEEDED
Ushers are needed for all of the Christmas Masses on December 24th and December 25th.
You may sign-up on the sheet on the Usher Door near the Sacristy or by contacting Deacon Paul at pkazanecki@saint-peter.org or calling the Rectory.
All parishioners are welcome to be ushers!
Mark Your Calendars
for the Parish Mission
Altar Bread, Wine and Lamp
2022 Availability
The Altar Bread, Wine or Lamp are available for a number of weeks in 2022 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.
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
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
Eucharistic Adoration
First Friday of the Month
in the Chapel
GIVING TO ST. PETER'S
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
From the Archdiocese
Report Abuse
The Archdiocese of Newark takes very seriously any and all complaints of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy, Religious and lay staff of the Archdiocese We encourage anyone with knowledge of an act of sexual misconduct to inform the Archdiocese immediately so that we may take appropriate action to protect others and provide support to victims of sexual abuse. Although we will report all allegations of abuse immediately to the appropriate County Prosecutor, we encourage anyone with an allegation of abuse also to reach out to the prosecutor. Individuals who report an allegation of sexual misconduct may do so by calling the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at (201) 407-3256. The phone numbers for the County Prosecutor for Bergen County: (201) 226-5689.
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.