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.

"High are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts"
8 videos,

• EM & Lector Schedule

• Music Schedule

• RCIA Catechist Schedule

• EM Schedule for Forge Pond 

• EM Shorrock Gardens

• Hospital EM Schedule

• CCD Schedule

Mass Intensions

SATURDAY September 17th
4:00 PM Mark Domorauer/req. His Family
5:30 PM Geraldine Trebotica/req. Laura & Pete Spaziano

SUNDAY, September 18th
 6:45 AM Jeanette & Paul Mancuso/req. John & Dolores
8:00 AM People of the Parish
9:30 AM Pauline & Fred Flake/req. Joyce & Fred Flake
11:00 AM Mary Gallotta/req. Marie Botts & Family
12:30 PM Fillipana Bacani/req. Nancy Grodberg

Where two or three are gathered to pray, there God is in their midst. And so we have the courage to pray for these needs in our world today 

Please respond : Lord hear our prayer.

For the faithful, may we be open to God’s grace so we may have hearts 
that abound in love and ever willing to forgive; We pray to the Lord.

For the people of the world, may we recognize that we are all part of the same human family, and work together for peace and justice;
We pray to the Lord.

For all our service men and women that they may be safe as they fight to protect our great nation and our freedoms: 
We pray to the Lord.

For those facing difficult situation involving the right to life of another, that they may place their trust in God ; 
We pray to the Lord.

For those who suffered devastation from hurricane Irene and the floods on the eastern coast, may the Lord comfort those who grieve for lost ones, console all who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and bring them rapid relief that they may rebuild their communities; 
We pray to the Lord.

For the safety of students and teachers in our schools; We pray to the Lord. 

For all those prayers and intercessions in our intention book; We pray to the Lord.

For the sick and suffering, those in nursing homes and hospitals, especially those listed in our Parish bulletin that they may find comfort and healing in God's loving Spirit; 
We pray to the Lord. 

For those who are nearing life’s end, that the Lord will give them guidance and strength, and for those who have passed from us especially; We pray to the Lord. 
  

1. 1. Please consult the bulletin for information on the following:
   
    Bereavement Support Group starting in September
    Study program entitled A Biblical Walk thru the Mass starting in September
    Information on revisions to the Roman Missal
   

2. 2. Bishop O’Connell has requested that we comply with the request from the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to take up a collection to support emergency relief efforts in the Horn of African. This collection will be taken up next weekend.
   

3. Tickets for the Gift Auction will be available at the rectory next week.

25th Sunday of 
Ordinary Time 

TODAY'S READINGS

Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18
Philippians 1:20-24, 27
Matthew 20:1-16 

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Sept. 19 Mon Saint Januarius 
Ezr 1:1-6 Lk 8:16-18
Sept.20 Tues Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Saint Paul Chong Hasang & Companions 
Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20 Lk 8:19-21
Sept.21 Wed Saint Matthew 
Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 Mt 9:9-13
Sept.22 Thurs Weekday
Hg 1:1-8 Lk 9:7-9
Sept.23 Fri Saint Pio of Pietrelcina 
Hg 2:1-9 Lk 9:18-22
Sept 24 Sat Weekday BVM
Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a Lk 9:43b-45

“The last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)

These words can have a number of different meanings. For instance, we look at “first and last” as referring to those who are important in this world and those who are marginal. In heaven, the lowly, the “weak of the world,” will be given the highest place (1 Corinthians 1:27). 

But we could also apply these words to the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews were the first ones to hear the gospel, but many did not accept it. On the other hand, many Gentiles accepted Jesus’ message and became disciples. So even though the Gentiles were the “last” to receive the gospel, many were among the “first” to enter heaven. 

Today’s parable of the laborers in the vineyard gives us another view of this paradox—one that is just as compelling as the previous two. 

To help us grasp this last view, let’s recall the last few lines of the previous chapter in Matthew. There, Jesus promises: “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more” (Matthew 19:29). So it’s clear that the rewards given in heaven will be based, to some degree, on the degree of our service to God. 

But then in today’s parable, we get the sense that it doesn’t matter how long you have worked in the “vineyard of the Lord.” Everyone gets the same reward. 

Jesus’ point here is that reward is not based on seniority; it’s based on grace. The last to enter the kingdom will receive the same amount of grace as the one who arrived first. 

Putting these two passages together, we can see that it is a privilege to come early and work for the Lord, but we shouldn’t think that these early birds are special or more beloved by the Lord. Everyone is precious to God, and he delights in giving all of us a full share in his kingdom and his glory. 

“Jesus, help us to love one another as you love us.” 

Questions for Reflection or Discussion

(Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145: 2-3,8-9,17-18; Philippians 1:20-24,27; Matthew 20:1-16)

1. The first reading and responsorial psalm both encourage us to “seek” and “call” upon the Lord. We are assured he is “near” and “may be found.” He is so near in fact that in the Eucharist, the very God who created the universe let’s us partake of himself! How would you describe your preparation to receive Christ in the Eucharist? How could you improve it?

2. Again, both of these reading assure us that God is “compassionate” and “forgiving.” How often do you avail yourself of Christ kindness and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What keeps you from taking advantage of God’s love and forgiveness more often?

3. In the second reading, St. Paul states his desire that “Christ will be magnified in my body” and exhorts us to live a life “worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Specifically, how do these statements apply to how you live your life as a Catholic man or women? What can we do individually, and together as brothers and sisters in Christ, to make these a greater reality in our lives? 

4. In the gospel, we hear Jesus saying to the laborers, “you too go into my vineyard.” Pope John Paul II said that this was addressed not just to the apostles but also “to all who desire to be authentic disciples of the Lord.” In what ways can you become a more active laborer in the Lord’s vineyard? For example, are there some steps you can take to be a more active part of the life of your parish?

5. Jesus turns our human sense of justice and generosity on its head when he says, “Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Does your own human sense of justice and generosity keep you from seeing the love and mercy of God toward you and in the lives of others? In what specific ways do you need to change in order to have God’s heart of mercy and forgiveness toward others?

6. In the referring to the parable of the “Laborers in the Vineyard” the meditation states the following: “Jesus’ point here is that reward is not based on seniority; it’s based on grace. The last to enter the kingdom will receive the same amount of grace as the one who arrived first.” How important in your life is knowing and experiencing the grace of God? Can you share some examples from your life when you did? 

7. The prayer at the end of the meditation reminds us of Jesus’ “new commandment” in John 13:34-35: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Take some time now to pray for the grace to “love one another” as Jesus has loved you. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

Why Jesus?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Raising two small children alone after her divorce was a challenge that often brought Carol to tears. She was lonely and afraid she couldn't provide for her daughters. Help came from Mrs. G, the woman who lived next door and babysat many of the neighborhood children after school. Carol's daughters would often come home singing little children's hymns and carrying macaroni pictures of Bible stories. Carol wasn't sure how she felt about religion being part of day care, but she soon found herself singing along with her daughters, "Jesus loves me this I know, 'cause the Bible tells me so..." In time, the words would become more than just a catchy tune. They would become a way of life. God comes to us through his son, Jesus, who had a special love for the poor and downtrodden. He healed the sick, forgave sins, suffered and sacrificed his life for others. Through him we learn about the expansive love and mercy of our God who wants nothing more than to be in a relationship with us.

Jesus teaches that to be in that loving relationship with God and each other we must be servants, and we must carry the cross, as he did. But Jesus also shows us that love cannot be conquered by death. His triumph over the grave is our triumph, too.

Through his Resurrection we are confident of eternal life with him in Heaven. Though Jesus has returned to his Father in Heaven, he remains with us on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist, his Body and Blood. He speaks to us through the Word of God, is present in his Church and meets us in our neighbors. Jesus said, "I will remain with you always" and Jesus keeps his promises.

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians12:13).

The heart of our Catholic faith is a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a relationship that heals us, transforms us and saves us. This relationship begins with our Baptism and is nourished throughout our lives with prayer, worship and the sacraments where we meet Jesus in a special way. Our Catholic faith leads us to a loving God who created us to share in his own life and who continually invites us to share in the unity of his family, the Church. We are united in love and in love we move out into the world to serve all of God's people.

The Green Thing 

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. 

The woman apologized to her and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day." 

The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment." 

She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. 

Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled. 

But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. 

We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. 

But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day. 

Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that cashier is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day. 

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. 

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. 

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. 

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. 

But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then. 

We drank from a fountain, the hose, or the kitchen faucet when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. 

We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. 

But we didn't have the green thing back then. 

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. 

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. 

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?

Sunday Bible Reflections 
by Dr. Scott Hahn

September 18th, 2011 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First and Last

The house of Israel is the vine of God - who planted and watered it, preparing the Israelites to bear fruits of righteousness (see Isaiah 5:7; 27:2-5). 

Israel failed to yeild good fruits and the Lord allowed His vineyard, Israel’s kingdom, to be overrun by conquerors (see Psalm 80:9-20). But God promised that one day He would replant His vineyard and its shoots would blossom to the ends of the earth (see Amos 9:15; Hosea 14:5-10). 

This is the biblical backdrop to Jesus’ parable of salvation history in today’s Gospel. The landowner is God. The vineyard is the kingdom. The workers hired at dawn are the Israelites, to whom He first offered His covenant. Those hired later in the day are the Gentiles, the non-Israelites, who, until the coming of Christ, were strangers to the covenants of promise (see Ephesians 2:11-13). In the Lord’s great generosity, the same wages, the same blessings promised to the first-called, the Israelites, will be paid to those called last, the rest of the nations. 

This provokes grumbling in today’s parable. Doesn’t the complaint of those first laborers sound like that of the older brother in Jesus’ prodigal son parable (see Luke 15:29-30)? God’s ways, however, are far from our ways, as we hear in today’s First Reading. And today’s readings should caution us against the temptation to resent God’s lavish mercy. 

Like the Gentiles, many will be allowed to enter the kingdom late - after having spent most of their days idling in sin.

But even these can call upon Him and find Him near, as we sing in today’s Pslam. We should rejoice that God has compassion on all whom He has created. This should console us, too, especially if we d ones who remain far from the vineyard. 

Our task is to continue laboring in His vineyard. As Paul says in today’s Epistle, let us conduct ourselves worthily, struggling to bring all men and women to the praise of His name

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

< Click to play
Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist, and Racist?" 

Have you ever thought that the God of the Old Testament seemed kind of…mean? Well, you wouldn’t be alone. Our guest this evening on The Busted Halo Show explores these feelings and concepts in his new book God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist, and Racist? David Lamb is associate professor of Old Testament at the Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. He previously worked in campus ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and has taught extensively in various cross-cultural contexts. In his new book God Behaving Badly, Mr. Lamb sets out to fix God’s bad reputation by engaging with Scripture and history to provide reassuring answers to some of our potentially challenging questions. (Originally aired: 7/12/11)

The Busted Halo Show with Father Dave Dwyer is on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, Sirius/XM 129, Monday through Friday, 7:00pm to 10:00pm EST. Give us a call with your questions and comments: 1-888-3-CATHOLIC, or at bustedhalo@thecatholicchannel.org. Go to www.siriusxm.com to get subscription information.

  Googling God: 
The Religious Landscape of People in Their 20s and 30s
by author Mike Hayes
This 3 part series is now on the Evangelization page (click Here)

Our Lady of Fatima on Fox News

September 16, 2011  There will come a time, eventually, when you don't know something. It's okay. It's nothing to be ashamed of.  September 15, 2011  There is a constant battle being fought in my heart, and in yours. The battle is between love and power, between the love of power and the power of love. The more the power to love grows within is the more our love of power decreases.  September 14, 2011  All your relationships will improve if you don't judge others.  September 13, 2011  You told me that you have a desire to grow spiritually. If this is the case, pray, practice mortification, and examine your conscience. Do each of these regularly. There is no surer or more direct path to holiness.  September 12, 2011  Practice some kind of fasting lest you become a slave to your body.  September 11, 2011  I was once asked, “What is the worst sin?” This question opened a discussion in which all of the six people at the table involved themselves. I’d like to relay some of the ideas that were shared so that we can reflect on God’s forgiveness, our lack of forgiveness, and the injustice of sin in all its forms. The first person spoke about murder and the next about rape. The emotions of all ran high until finally I felt it was necessary to comment, especially as the questions had originally been asked of me. I said, “If I committed an offense against God by telling a lie and it was the only sin ever committed, Jesus would still have come to earth and died on the cross just for that sin in order to redeem me. “The conversation changed. We stopped looking at the sins of other people and began to examine ourselves. We recognized our sinfulness. We appreciated that the common ground we held was in our brokenness. Meditate on the effects of sin. Your sin.  September 10, 2011  You can drive down the wrong side of the road but before long you'll get hit.  September 9, 2011  At the end of the world you will receive a new body, but you only get one soul. Take care of it.

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The painting all America needs to see!!!

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RIGHT TO LIFE
Once again, your generosity to “Pennies for the Babies” made it possible to send Birthright $50 and Oasis $25.  Oasis is a haven for mothers and children in Paterson , N.J.   They provide food and clothing, meals, job training and educational opportunities and child care while the mother’s attend classes. They have a direct link to social services and social workers to assist mothers to obtain the help they need among others services.

Events
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.

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

COMMUNITY SUNDAY is next Sunday, September 25 after all Masses and will be hosted by the Holy Name Society, Ushers, Finance Council & Building & Grounds Team.  Please join us downstairs for fellowship and a video on the New Mass format.

 

Mark your calendars for the following events being planned for 2011 

Sept 7.14,21.28 and Oct 5
Morning Series
A Biblical Walk Through
The Mass  

September 22
Talk on the The New Mass Rites
Monsignor Sam Sirianni

September 24 thru 27
Parish Retreat
Fr Michael Sullivan OSA
"A Time of Grace"

Oct 6,13,20,27 and Nov 3
Evening Series
A Biblical Walk Through
The Mass  

November 5 
Autumn Gift Auction

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CHURCH BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

An air conditioning system has been installed in the basement of the church building that will allow both levels of the building to be cooled at the same time.  

This will allow multiple activities to be going on at the same time without discomfort.   

In addition, the kitchen, which has never had air conditioning, now has its own unit.

We have painted the wall behind the Risen Christ and the red doors of the church.  Enjoy the new changes.

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"A Night of Prayer for Healing."
Thursday night October 13^th 
from 7:00 to 9:00PM at 
St Joseph Church, 
685 Hooper Avenue, 
Toms River NJ.  

Praise and Worship music, (3) scriptures plus scripture reflections on physical, emotional and spiritual healing and prayer teams available for individual prayer.  

Come and experience the healing power of Jesus Christ.  

For additional information call Deacon Gerry Luongo at 732-473-9727"

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FR. AL ALONG WITH THE PARISHIONERS OF VISITATION OFFER THEIR GRATITUDE AND SUPPORT TO ALL THOSE WHO PROVIDE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TO OUR CHILDREN. YOU WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Loving God,
We ask your blessing upon these men and women, our catechists and teachers.
We are thankful for their generous spirit, as well as their care for our young people.
Gift them with wisdom and patience in their ministry.
Help them to gently guide our children as they journey in faith.
We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

A PRAYER FOR OUR R.C.I.A. CATECHISTS
Jesus, you have answered our prayers by sending us catechists for your vineyard. Bless these men and women who have responded to your call to the ministry of catechesis. May they be filled with zeal for your Church, with care for those they catechize, and with love for your “Word of Life”. Let your Spirit come upon them so that your Word may echo through their teaching and through the witness of their lives. Through our catechists, may the members of our parish whom they teach be transformed into witnesses to your Word. And may these catechists  receive the blessing your Son promised to all who labor in your vineyard. We pray to you, gracious Father, in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Word of Life, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit who transforms us by that Word, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

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On September 22 at 7:30 (refreshments at 6:30) Monsignor Sam Sirianni, Director of Worship for the Diocese of Trenton, will be presenting a talk on the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.  This will be an enlightening evening and all are encouraged to attend

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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.

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NEXT WEEKEND THERE WILL BE TWO COLLECTIONS.  PLEASE PLACE YOUR REGULAR WEEKLY DONATION IN THE FIRST BASKET AND THE ENVELOPE FOR THE ASSESSMENT IN THE SECOND BASKET.

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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