* 
ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES Sundays March 18 to May 20 Confirmation May 24th call 732-477-7059 ext. 214..........TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!!!! Church of the Visitation cordially invites you to attend "Around the World With Taste and Color" A very special event to be held: February 25th ,,Art preview and tasting ~ 6:00 PM....Live Auction ~ 8:00 PM

 


Mass
Schedule

Weekend: Saturday 4:00 and 5:30 PM

Sunday: 6:45, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM 

Daily: Monday-Saturday 7:30 and 8:15 AM (Daily Chapel)

Monday Evenings: 7:30 PM

Holy Days: See Current Bulletin

First Friday
Holy Hour 7PM

Weekday Masses are held in the DAILY CHAPEL during Lent & Advent

RECTORY OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

This page is intended to provide a synopsis of the most current parish information. It is updated every weekend and contains schedules, prayers, concerns and news

Weekly Theme Catholicism Series Bible Study RCIA LIS Seminar " Greeters

How to best View this page:
First watch the carousel above for major features and events.
The rest of the page is laid out in a series of categories stacked vertically. We update these categories weekly and the overall page length is open ended depending on content. You can take a leisurely stroll from top to bottom if you want but a better way is to use the category "Jump Menu" buttons below to take you to what you are most interested in. 

        January 29th, 2012 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday Bible Reflections 
by Dr. Scott Hahn

 The King’s Authority

Listen Here!

Last week, Jesus announced the kingdom of God is at hand. This week, in mighty words and deeds, He exercises His dominion - asserting royal authority over the ruler of this world, Satan (see John 12:31).

Notice that today’s events take place on the sabbath. The sabbath was to be an everlasting sign -both of God’s covenant love for His creation (see Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17), and His deliverance of his covenant people, Israel, from slavery (see Deuteronomy 6:12-15). 

On this sabbath, Jesus signals a new creation - that the Holy One has come to purify His people and deliver the world from evil.

“With an unclean spirit” is biblical language for a man possessed by a demon, Satan being the prince of demons (see Mark 3:22). 

The demons’ question: “What have you to do with us?” is often used in Old Testament scenes of combat and judgment (see Judges 11:12; 1 Kings 17:18). 

And as God by His word “rebuked” the forces of chaos in creating the world (see Psalms 104:7; Job 26:10-12), and again rebuked the Red Sea so the Israelites could make their exodus (see Psalm 106:9), Mark uses the same word to describe Jesus rebuking the demons (see Mark 4:39; Zechariah 3:2).

Jesus is the prophet foretold by Moses in today’s First Reading (see Acts 3:22). Though He has authority over heaven and earth (see Daniel 7:14,27; Revelation 12:10), He becomes one of our own kinsmen. 

He comes to rebuke the forces of evil and chaos - not only in the world, but in our lives. He wants to make us holy in body and spirit, as Paul says in today’s Epistle (see Exodus 31:12). 

In this liturgy, we hear His voice and “see” His works, as we sing in today’s Psalm. And as Moses tells us today, we should listen to Him.



Yours in Christ,

Daily Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral 

Archbishop Timothy Dolan has exciting news for Telecare viewers... 

This season Telecare is proud to announce that it will provide coverage of Mass and special events from St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan. 

Daily Mass from St. Patrick's Cathedral airs: Monday through Friday at 6:30pm ET

CLICK HERE AT 6:30pm AND WE WILL TAKE YOU THERE

Mass Intensions

SATURDAY January 28th
4:00 PM Robert Lutkiewicz/req. Family
5:30 PM Marylou Fabrizzio/req. Ed & Claire Farrell

SUNDAY, January 29th
6:45 AM People of the Parish
8:00 AM The Zabiga Family/req. The Kozak Family
9:30 AM Serafino Centrella/req. Dee DeTuro & Family
11:00 AM Helen Walano/req. Cathy Teller
12:30 PM Bruce Allen Spiwak/req. Lance & Carolyn Larsen & Fanily

Memorials

Church Sanctuary Candle for the week of January 29 is “No Intentions”
Chapel Sanctuary Candle for the week of January 29 is “No Intentions”
Sacred Heart Candle for the week of January 29 is “No Intentions”
Blessed Mother Candle for the week of January 29 is “In Loving Memory” of John Malloy /req. Dee Fletcher

Click here to see the changes in the People's Parts of the Mass.

Weekly Video Theme
Each week we select a few videos to reinforce the theme of the Sunday Liturgy. Click on the graphic in the sliding menu above or click below.

TODAY'S READINGS
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Mark 1:21-28 

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

JAN. 30 MON . Weekday
Second Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 Mark 5:1-20
JAN 31 TUES . Saint John Bosco, priest
Second Samuel 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30--19:3 Mark 5:21-43
FEB. 1 WED. Weekday
Second Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Mark 6:1-6
FEB. 2 THUR.  Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4 /Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
FEB 3 FRI. Saint Blase, bishop and martyr and Saint Ansgar, bishop
Sirach 47:2-11 Mark 6:14-29
 FEB 4 SAT . Weekday
First Kings 3:4-13 Mark 6:30-34

“PRAY FOR OUR SICK”
Garret Cruk, Bernadette Bounassi, Cindy Maguire, Joan Fraraccio

Pray for the happy repose of the souls of deceased members of the Parish, your friends, relatives and benefactors 

Especially; Rev. Msgr. Leon J. Kasprzyk, Catherine “Kay” Schembari, William Balletto, Angelo Grossano

Sunday, January 29
(Mark 1:21-28)
Quiet! (Mark 1:25)
Today's Gospel warns us to be on guard because evil spirits are constantly at work tempting us and harassing us. This warning is even more urgent today, as the world has practically dismissed the reality of evil spirits.
Evil spirits are always on the prowl. They whisper lies and half-truths to us and try to confuse us. They try to influence us to do things we know are wrong—even things we don't want to do. We have all felt their influence at different times. We know how they have tried to sow division, to make us fearful, to get us down on ourselves, to lie, to manipulate people, or to doubt God's love.
Yes, we have a free will. Yes, we make the final choices for our lives. But these choices are never made in isolation. They are always influenced by the people around us, by the media, by the Holy Spirit, and by Satan.

All this may sound intimidating, but we shouldn't be afraid. Jesus overcame one evil spirit in today's Gospel, and he overcame them all on the cross. We just have to be more alert to what is coming into our minds, especially more alert to the devil's tactics.
Another thing we can do is begin every day by praying for protection against evil spirits. All we have to do is say the words that Jesus taught us: "Father, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Finally, we should believe in the power of the name of Jesus. Scripture tells us how St. Paul, in dealing with an evil spirit that was harassing a woman, commanded: "1 command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And the spirit left immediately (Acts 16:18). Likewise, we need to call on the name of Jesus throughout the day, especially when we are feeling tempted or harassed.

"In the name of Jesus, I command all evil spirits to be quiet and to depart from me and from every member of my family. Lord, deliver us from the lies of the evil one and help us to be ever more alert."

SINGLE PARENTS MEETING

Saturday, February 4 is the next single parents meeting.  This meeting will be held in the rectory meeting Room C at 7:00 PM.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF OUR JANUARY 50/50. 
Angela Duddy was the winner of $850.00.  Angela is an annual subscriber. Next drawing will be on February 26, 2012.

Catholic Media:

The Catholicism Project 

Join Fr. Robert Barron on a journey across the planet and deep into the faith. CATHOLICISM is a breakthrough documentary series presenting the true story of Christianity and the Catholic faith.

 

EVERYBODY HAS A STORY

I came to Catholicism after years and years of being angry with God for the events of my past. I blamed God for all the bad things that happened in my life and I was unable to let them go. When I reached college I spent a lot of time soul searching and then in my Senior year a friend of mine told me she was becoming Catholic and asked if I would like to go with her to church and her RCIA one day. 

I was shocked because I didn't think I knew anyone who was Catholic but I ended up finding out that two people I was close friends with were Catholic, one was a cradle Catholic while the other was a convert. I didn't know this because I had refused to talk to anyone about religion when I had first came to my school. When I started talking to them and asking questions about Catholicism they were all very excited and answered my questions. But what really got me was the church. The moment I stepped inside the church it was like my whole life had been leading me to that moment. It became very clear to me that the church was where I was supposed to be and that my friends who I seemed to have nothing in common with were supposed to be in my life to lead me to that point. I have encountered many issues since making the decision to become Catholic. I have family and friends members who refuse to talk to me, some who are outright hostel, and still others who have told me its just a phase and I'll get over it soon. I don't think they understand that my pull to to the church was the fact that God lead me there, it's where I'm supposed to be. I pray every day that they will eventually come around and see that I'm not some evil being out to try and convert them to my evil ways but I'm a Christian just like they are, I just follow a different set of rules. I'm happy to have found myself in this place and I want to continue to grow with my Faith. God has blessed me with great parents who have been very supportive of my decision and as long as I have them and my friends who have stood beside me I think I can make it through anything. God is with me wherever I go and I feel him now more than ever. He lead me to the church and I know he will lead me through the trials that these people are placing in my path. I guess in all my story is really a story of discovering God and the Catholic church just happened to be where I found him.
- Tiffany B., Hyden, KY United States 

More Stories For More Information Please Visit: http://www.thecatholicismproject.org/

Our 2012 Movie Series will include all 10 Episodes of the Fr. Baron series now being aired on TV stations. 

 

Morning or Evening sessions are offered:

 

Morning Series Wednesday 10AM in the Cafeteria: 

  • January 25 Episode 2

  • February 8 Episode 3

  • February 22 Episode 4

Evening Series Thursdays, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Daily Chapel:

  • February 9 Episode 3

  • February 16 Episode 4

Study Guide materials and small group discussions are part of the program.

 

Click here for a video and more information

Audio Clips from 3 Catholic Conversion Stories
 by JesseRay on January 10, 2012

Enjoy the conversions stories that someone shared via youtube.

WHO IS GOD
A Scriptural Portrait of our Heavenly Father

Philosophers have puzzled over this question for thousands of years. And they're still puzzling! It's the one question that never really goes away. It's not like asking: "What is one plus one?" or "What is the difference between a noun and a verb?" Those questions are so much easier because they have black-and-white answers. There is no room for debate. Countless textbooks have told us the answers with great certainty.
But God can't be quantified like a math problem. He can't be diagrammed like a sentence. And the "textbook" that we may want to consult for an answer—the Bible—doesn't contain a precise, black-and-white definition. It doesn't even give us a biography! It simply tells us that there is a God, and then it goes on to recount many of the things he has said and done over the centuries. It's as if God is telling us that if we want to know who he is, we should look at what he has done. This month, let's try to build our own answers to this question. Let's look at some of the ways God has worked so that we can come to know him better. As we do this, let's keep our "minds and hearts open. After all, he made us this promise: "When you look for me, you will find me" (Jeremiah 29:13).
See the February issue of "The Word Among Us" for more of this series.

Catholic TV 
The Catholic web site, www.CatholicTV.com has developed two new media initiatives to further its mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is lived and understood in the Catholic community.

Father Robert Reed takes you behind-the-scenes at the CatholicTV Network. See Saint Therese, the lobby, meet Jane, the heart of CatholicTV, Studio C, the chapel, edit suites, the brain of CatholicTV, Mark, Master Control, satellite center, Joe, Armando, Pete, Studio Control, studios, Kevin Nelson, Jay Fadden, and the crew getting ready for This is the Day. 


Telecare - The Best in Catholic Television! ® is a not-for-profit, state-of-the-art television and production facility. For more than 40 years, Telecare Television has been dedicated to answering a critical need: to provide millions of viewers with quality, value-oriented Catholic television. Our broadcast schedule airs 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, reaching millions of households.

Our Mission Statement
Telecare - The Best in Catholic Television! ® operates with the mission of spreading God's word through its religious and educational Catholic programming to people of faith wherever they may be. The purpose of Telecare's mission is to bring people of the Catholic faith, indeed all people, closer to God. 

Why Catholic

Catholics Come Home

Salt and Light TV reports on  Monday through Thursday at 7pm ET with a 5-minute daily current affairs edition of “Perspectives”. (see direct feed above)

On Fridays, there is a new version of Perspectives: The Weekly Edition, a 30-minute program featuring in-depth discussions on the week’s hot topics, with host Pedro Guevara Mann and special guests.

Tune in every First Friday and listen to "The Shepherd's Voice"

The Shepherd's Voice with Bishop David M. O'Connell airs on the First Friday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00 PM.  Bishop O'Connell begins the program with a teaching and a brief commentary.  Jim & Cheryl Manfredonia facilitate the hour as they open the telephone lines so listeners can call in and speak to the Bishop.  The program will repeat on First Friday night at 10:00 PM, the following Saturday at 4:00 PM, Sunday at 10:00 AM and Monday at 8:00 AM.  

Call in LIVE and speak with Bishop O'Connell at 609-882-9357 or 1-877-552-2488, or send a question by e-mail: question@domesticchurchmedia.org 

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

"The Church of the Visitation is a Roman Catholic Community. We are committed to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the needs of people, through prayer, service, friendship and love. Our commitment is expressed in Sacramental and Gospel interaction. Through Ministry and Stewardship we give greater glory to God."

Church of the Visitation
Monthly 50/50
Annual Subscriptions Available for 2012

50-50 Annual subscriptions are 
still available at the 
discount price. 
Get yours before the first 
drawing of 2012
on January 22nd

The proceeds from this major fundraiser are used for a wide variety of maintenance and renovation projects.
A $20 annual subscription gives you one ticket in each monthly drawing throughout 2012.
All ticket holders must be 18 years of age or over.

Click here to print out a copy of the form or to order your subscription on line

Completed forms must be returned by December 14, 2011, to assure delivery by Christmas. Simply mail back, bring to the rectory or place in the collection basket. A certificate with your raffle number (for yourself and/or gift recipients) will be mailed to you. For questions or more information, call 732-477-7059 ext. 216 or e-mail vicki@visitationchurch.com .

COMMUNITY LUNCHEON
Visitation Parish will hold a free community Luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in the Church Auditorium.  For additional information, please call Frank and Isabel Kronicz at 732-255-2835 if interested in helping.

Parish Registration
The Church of the Visitation is obliged to serve and minister to all baptized Catholics living in our local area. PLEASE REGISTER – it assists the staff in knowing you as a parishioner, providing for your needs, informing you of parish programs and activities, and utilizing your gifts and talents in service of the Church and one another. Envelopes for weekly contributions are available to you once you are registered. Please contact Deacon Sal Vicari at ext. 218 to registe

CHURCH COURTESY
Often in church we lack the simple signs of courtesy to one another that we would normally show to anyone anywhere. Here are some examples: When someone comes to sit in the row where we are, why make them climb over us instead of moving in? When we come to church why stand against the wall even when we are asked to take a seat? Why do we pass the Eucharist without some sign of reverence or respect? Either a bow or a genuflection would show the proper respect, demonstrate faith in the presence of the Lord, and be a sign of reverence for the real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle

Please support our website sponsors below.

 



We are excited to inform you that On-Line Giving is now available. As a church that seeks to serve, we wanted to provide /you the convenience of being able to give the way you want, whenever you want. Online Giving offers you the opportunity to make secure, automatic contributions from your bank or credit card account to our Visitation bank account. Online Giving costs you nothing and provides many advantages to you:

  •  No check writing or ATM stops before church

  • ·Safe, secure, and confidential

  • ·Use your checking, savings, or credit card

  • ·Schedule recurring or one-time donations

  • ·Change a gift or account any time you like

  • ·Choose offertory, special funds, pledges

  • ·Earn rewards through your credit card

As we begin this new program, you may notice your neighbors placing “I Gave Online” offertory cards into the collection basket instead of traditional envelopes. You will be able to pick up one of our “I Gave Online” cards on your way into church and use that at offertory time if you still want to place something in the offertory basket.

We ask that you consider using this service—especially if you currently manage your bills or banking online. To sign up click the Online Giving symbol above,  For more information, call Vicki at 732-477-0028 216.

However you choose to give your time, talent, and treasure, we thank you! Visitation’s facilities and ministries thrive only with your  help.

NEXT WEEKEND THERE WILL BE
ONE COLLECTION

WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE DO NOT TALK IN CHURCH. SOME ARE PREPARING FOR MASS WHILE OTHERS ARE GIVING THANKS. PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES WHILE IN THE CHURCH WORSHIP SPACE. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

Around the World with Taste and Color

A very special event to be held:
Saturday February 25, 2012

Art preview and
Tasting ~ 6:00 PM
 Live Auction ~ 8:00 PM
Over 50 International & Domestic 
Wines & Beers
Tantalizing hors d'oeuvres 
A stunning collection of incredibly affordable art
Early bird incentives
Watch for further details

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH

The Respect Life Ministry is once again collecting winter coats, jackets, hats and gloves for the needy through the month of October. These items may be brought to St. Vincent de Paul on Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 

This year we are also collecting blankets for the homeless and for our wounded servicemen and women in the hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. We are especially in need of men’s coats. We appreciate your past generosity and look forward to another year of “warmth for the needy”.

Each week we will be looking at other parish web sites and reporting back items of general interest to Visitation parishioners

Mark your calendars for the following events being planned for 2012 

January 25
Catholicism Study Series
Episode 2

February 8 & 9
Catholicism Study Series
Episode 3

February 16 & 22
Catholicism Study Series
Episode 4

February 22nd
Ash Wednesday 

February 25th
Around the World with
Taste and Color

Watch the weekly Church Bulletin for details. Dates and events subject to change

END OF YEAR TAX STATEMENT
If you would like an end of the year tax contribution statement, please call Denise Patetta at the rectory office at ext. 201 or e-mail your request to dee@visitationchurch.com If you have received a statement in the past you will automatically receive one this year.


February 22nd is Ash Wedneday. 
Now is the time to think about making a commitment to really do something extra for Lent 2012

What is a Life in the Spirit Seminar?
The Life in the Spirit Seminars have been one of the best tools in the twentieth century for leading people to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. A Life in the Spirit Seminar consists of six weeks of teachings, testimonies and small group sharing, all leading up to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The topics covered are "God's Love", "Salvation", "New Life in the Spirit", "God's Gifts", "Baptism in the Spirit" and "Growth and Transformation". 

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a release of the power of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. The same Holy Spirit that was received through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, Marriage and Holy Orders is stirred and released in a new and wonderful way. Participants feel a reawakening or reawareness of the presence and power of God operating in their daily lives, similar to the experience of the Apostles at Pentecost. 

The Life in the Spirit Seminar is open to anyone who desires to form or deepen a relationship with God. The foundation of the Life in the Spirit Seminar is to create a more personal relationship with God the Father, receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, and be open to the power of the Holy Spirit

Appeal to Earlier LIS Participants
The Children of Light Prayer Group has been active in Visitation Church for nearly 4 decades. during that period of time more than 500 people have taken one of our Life in the Spirit seminars. If you are one of them or if you have taken the seminar in another parish we invite you to join us and support this year's program. If you know someone that you think is ready for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit invite them to come with you to the seminar. With or without a candidate please come to the sessions and support the prayer and praise and renew your relationship with the Holy Spirit

Abortion leading to less respect for lives of disabled, archbishop says

By Catholic News Service

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) -- A Philadelphia hospital's alleged refusal to provide a kidney transplant to a mentally disabled 3-year-old is yet another example of the harm caused in the United States by the Roe v. Wade court decision legalizing abortion, according to Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput.

"The habit of treating genetically disabled children as somehow less worthy of life is growing across the country," the archbishop said in a column posted Jan. 19 on the website of his archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard & Times.

He was commenting on the case of Amelia Rivera, whose parents say she was denied a kidney transplant at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia because she has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, a chromosomal disorder that results in severe developmental retardation.

The child's parents say a doctor at the hospital told them that a kidney transplant would not be performed on Amelia at the hospital using a donated kidney because she was "mentally retarded." The hospital has declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing patient confidentiality, but said that transplant eligibility decisions were "based on widely accepted, medically valid methods, with many factors considered." (more)


What's On Your Mind 

We invite our parishioners, staff and others to exchange ideas, ask questions and share experiences in our journey to walk in the path of our Lord Jesus Christ. So Click above and let us know what you think. We will post it here and on our Facebook Page
PINEWOOD DERBY 
(The wisdom of a child)

My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad".

That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed.

Finally, mom stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do.

Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car.

A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids' cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning", the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own.

Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed.

A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility, Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom".

As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there. As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped.

Gilbert went to his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready."

As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car.

Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank You" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?"

To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I wouldn't cry when I lost."

Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race, he didn't ask God to fix the outcome. Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a father's help!". No, he went to his Father for strength. Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else, he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad", but His Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side.

May we all learn to pray this way.

If you would like to comment on anything or comment on the views already posted go to our Facebook page or Email lbarbuscio@comcast.net and I will post them for you.

ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASSES Sundays March 18 to May 20 
Confirmation May 24th

It’s not too late! If you are over 18 and have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation, you are invited to enroll in Visitation’s Adult program for reception of Confirmation in May 2012. You cannot be a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation if you have not been confirmed. Classes are forming now. If interested, call 732-477-7059 ext. 214.

Wednesday Morning 10 AM Bible Study  
"Celebrating Our Origins"
 The Book of Genesis
See the schedule

People are intrigued about their origins. There is increasing interest in tracing genealogies and our families of origin. There are computer programs and websites that help a person with researching one's origin.
The first book in the Bible is all about origins. It could just as easily be called the "Book of Origins." It deals with the origin of the universe, of humankind, of sin, understood as alienation from God and fellow human beings, as well as the origin of the people of Israel.

 If you can't join us in person you can follow along on line by clicking the Bible Study graphic above.

Abort the Baby or Be a Devoted, Blessed Father?
January 3, 2012 
 This is a very moving and motivational video. It shows the difference a Pro-life philosophy can make in many peoples’ lives. A boy with no eyes and dysfunctional limbs that in most cases would be aborted. But watch … 


Events

RACHEL’S VINEYARD
If you have suffered through an abortion and have isolated yourself from healing and forgiveness, you might consider attending one of the retreat weekends. Retreats are designed to help both women and men experience the mercy and compassion of God. For more information, contact Judy at 732-536-6871. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Dates for the 2012 Weekend Retreats are: February 24, 2012 thru February 26, 2012 and June 8, 2012 thru June 10, 2012

Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Public Witness and Prayer at abortion clinic
A serious concern has arisen in the Toms River area for which we ask your assistance. An abortion clinic has opened and is operating in the community. We will provide a prayerful presence at the American Women's Center, 651 Route 37 West, Toms River on Wed. from 4:30 to 6 pm, and Fri. and Sat, 1 pm to 5 pm. Feel free to arrive and depart as your schedule allows. If you would like more information, contact M. Sherry 732-350-5474 or E. Spirko at 732-350-7447.

Every Saturday
Pro-Life Prayer Witness
Please join representatives of a number of local respect life organizations at a brief weekly prayer witness at 9:45 a.m. each Saturday morning at the Planned Parenthood facility in Trenton at State and Clinton. We only recite the Rosary, so it is not a huge time commitment, and then we leave. If you would like to get a ride, please call 609-896-3206.

January 27, 2012 
Human labor alone cannot achieve a divine purpose. 

January 26, 2012 
Go for long walks in quiet places. 

January 25, 2012 
"The eyes are not satisfied with seeing." Mortify your senses for children of God should live holy purity and the eyes are the windows to the soul. 

January 24, 2012 
Each night before you go to bed think about the most positive thing that happened to you that day. If you are married share it with your spouse and ask them to share with you the most positive experience of their day. 

January 23, 2012 
So many people in the world do not know Jesus. Of those that do know Him, many know His name, few know His ways. 

January 22, 2012 
God's plea to humanity has always been a call to go within and discover the truth about ourselves, which is that we have been created in the image and likeness of God. Our relationship with God begins to blossom when we go within and discover the rich, beautiful, and complex creations that we are individually and uniquely. This call to go within, prayer, and indeed, the sacraments, are designed to lead us to our fulfillment. It is this fulfillment that brings us joy and happiness, which is the will of God, and which also brings most glory to God. 

January 21, 2012 
Develop the ability to give people: a healing look, a healing word, or, a healing touch. 

This corner is dedicated to all of you people in your 20s and 30s. The descendants of the "Baby Boomers", the first of the "Latch Key generation", "Generations X and Y", the millennial generation etc. In short people in there 20s and 30s married or Single

Busted Halo

Turn Fear into Trust
 Praying when you’re paralyzed with fear
By: Joan Guntzelman

“In God, whose word I praise,/ in God I trust; I am not afraid.” —Psalm 56:4

Pervasive and all-consuming fear can wreak havoc in our lives. When it is our constant companion, then everything worries us and begins to take on the guise of a threat. Fear can paralyze us as we attempt to avoid everything distressing. 

When we find ourselves avoiding even those challenges that are important to our growth, then fear has become a major obstacle for us on our personal journey. Instead of giving way to fear, perhaps we will take reasonable cautions as wisdom teaches us, and then affirm the profound truth that “in God I trust; I am not afraid.” 

“My Lord and my God, when I feel afraid, guide me to turn that fear into trust in you. Teach me to notice when fear begins to arise in me, and then remind me that I can use it as an opportunity to draw closer to you. Show me if there is anything I need to do to deal with those things that frighten me, and then help me hand the situation over to you, my God. I will affirm over and over the words of the psalmist: ‘In God I trust; I am not afraid.’” 

A nurse with a PhD in counseling psychology, Joan Guntzelman is a speaker, author, and retreat center director. This is taken from Surrendering Our Stress: Prayers to Calm the Soul and Strengthen the Spirit. You’ll find another excerpt at www.wau.org.

R.C.I.A.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

Do you know of anyone who has not been baptized? Do you know anyone who would like to learn more about the Roman Catholic faith? What about someone who has been baptized in another Christian Church and wishes to enter into full communion in the Catholic Church? Maybe you know a baptized Catholic who has not completed all of their sacraments. Please take the time to mention to them about our process here at the Church of the Visitation. Our process welcomes all; anyone who is interested in an introduction into the Roman Catholic Church, its faith and life. Please contact Dale Zanetti at ex. 214 for more information or for any questions you might have.

SINGLE PARENTS MEETING
Saturday, February 4 is the next single parents meeting. This meeting will be held in the rectory meeting Room C at 7:00 PM

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Shorrock Gardens Care Center, Brick, NJ is in need of volunteers. There are many opportunities for you to assist. If you can help, please contact Dolores at 732-451-1000 ext. 621.

VISITATION VISITORS
Do you have a loved one or know of an elderly neighbor home alone? Could they use a friendly visitor, a weekly phone call, help with bills or mail, or a ride to a medical appointment or church on the weekend? Visitor Visitors Outreach Program may be able to help. Please call 732-477-7059 ext. 211 for more information.

COMMUNION FOR THE HOMEBOUND
If someone you know is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the Rectory Office at 732-477-0028 ext 203 during office hours so that we can schedule a Eucharistic Minister to visit the home.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
We turn to Jesus for understanding and healing through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is for adults and children who are suffering from serious physical or mental illness, or about to undergo surgery. Please call the Rectory Office for more information.

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
If you are admitted to Ocean Medical Center, please alert the Admissions Clerk that you are a parishioner at Visitation; so that our hospital ministers can care for you spiritually.

HOUSE BLESSING
If you wish to have a blessing of your home, please call the rectory office ext. 201 to schedule a time for a Deacon or Priest to visit,

 

Pre-Registration is Open!
 

Avoid waiting in line at the door and save 

$5 on the cost attending the conference by registering early. Registration is $25 per person in advance ($30 at the door); $10 for students; coffee and lunch will be provided. (No increase from last year!) 

 

To register online click here. 

 

CMJC HeaderTo register by mail go online and print out a registration form for each person in your group and send the form(s) with your check, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, to: 

 

Catholic Men for Jesus Christ, c/o Emmaus House, 2116 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

CMJC Header 

Darrell Miller Confirmed as Speaker

We're pleased to announce that former Major League Baseball player Darrell Miller will be sharing his testimony. A dynamic speaker, Darrell is a convert who likes to speak about the depth and truth of our Catholic faith.

 

Fr. Jonathan Morris Confirmed as Speaker

CMJC Header

We are also excited to announce that Catholic Priest and news commentator Fr. Jonathan Morris will also be speaking. As a priest with pastoral experience serving around the world, he brings not only a journalist's eye to issues, but also a pastor's heart in relating how the issues of our day affect people.

Help Spread the Word

Please help us get the word out by forwarding this email to other men we may not be reaching. If you'd like to help spread the word in your parish, please email us at information@catholicmenforjesuschrist.org. Thank you in advance for help us to reach as many men as possible with this faith inspiring event.

 

Yours in Christ, 2012 Catholic Men for Jesus Christ - Men's Conference Planning Committee
“Why I Love Religion, And Love Jesus”



Did you hear about the recent YouTube sensation where a man named Jefferson Bethke says: “Why I hate religion, but love Jesus”?

In the video Bethke asks, “What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion?” and “Why does [religion] build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor.” He also wonders why religion can be considered good if it’s started so many wars.

Of course, these are the same tired arguments we’ve all heard leveled against the Catholic Church for generations. But tragically, Bethke uses his great skills as a poet and video artist to make these stale arguments fresh and persuasive to a new generation of Americans.

…and his video already has 15 million views on YouTube and continues to spread like wildfire.

These clever, but illogical and false critiques of the Church cannot go unanswered. 

Our friends at Spirit Juice Studios put together a response that is sensational. And we just had to share it with you.

Now, go share it with your friends.

Fr. Barron comments on "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

 

Airplane Announcement You Don't Want To Hear

 

 

DID YOU KNOW? 
As You walk up the steps to the building which Houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can See near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in The middle who is facing forward with a full Frontal view ... It is Moses and he is holding The Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?
As You enter the Supreme Court courtroom, The two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower Portion of each door. 

DID YOU KNOW?
As you sit inside The courtroom, you can see the wall, right above Where the Supreme Court Judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments! 

DID YOU KNOW?
There Are Bible verses etched In stone all over the Federal Buildings And Monuments in Washington , D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?
James Madison, The fourth president, known as 'The Father of Our Constitution' Made the following statement:
'We have staked the whole of all our political Institutions upon the capacity of mankind For Self-government, upon the capacity of each And all of us to govern ourselves, to control Ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to The Ten Commandments of God.'

DID YOU KNOW? 
Every Session of Congress begins with a prayer By a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid 
By the taxpayer since 1777.

DID YOU KNOW?
Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the Constitution were Members of the established Orthodox churches in The colonies..

DID YOU KNOW? 
Thomas Jefferson worried that the Courts Would overstep their authority and instead of Interpreting the law would begin making law an Oligarchy the rule of few over many.

How Then, have we gotten to the point that Everything we have done for 220 years in this Country is now suddenly wrong and Unconstitutional?

Lets put it around the world and let the world See and remember what this great country was Built on 
The Holy Bible and belief in GOD

Dr. Scott Hahn conversion story to the Catholic Church audio

Overcoming roadblocks to the Catholic Faith

What is the "New Evangelization?


“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen;
not only because I see it,
but because by it I see everything else.” ~ C.S. Lewis

 "FOR ALL THE GIANTS FANS": 

Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Patriots flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity, Tom," said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house. On ...his way up to the porch he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a Blue and Red sidewalk, a 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous Giants logo flag, and in every window, a Giants towel. Tom looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I hold many NFL records, and I even won a few Super bowls." God said, "So what's your point Tom?" "Well, why does Eli Manning get a better house than me?" God chuckled, and said, "Tom, that's not Eli's house, it's mine.""

 

Our church subsists by the contributions of its members.  Thank you for your kind generosity.

We would appreciate any comments or suggestions about this page. Send Email to lbarbuscio@comcast.net