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DIOCESE OF METUCHEN NEWS
The United States Conference of Bishops in accord with Pope Benedict XV' decree that the year 2009-June2010 is the year for Priests has created a website http://www.usccb.org/yearforpriests/. Here you will find the Pope's address on the Year of the Priest as well as more information related to events and activities that will be of focus during the coming year. Keep in touch with the Catholic Church through this website as well as the Diocese of Metuchen. The Diocese will provide you with a wealth of information about Diocesan events.
NEW FOR 2010
Lenten Instructions 2010
So that the Church of Metuchen may be spirtually one in a common observance of Lent, the following days of fast and abstinence are to be observed by all Catholics of the Diocese who enjoy the blessings of good health:
1. The days of fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 2. All other Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence. 3. From the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday until the celebration of the Easter Vigil on the evening of Holy Saturday, the Easter fast should be observed so that, with uplifted and welcoming hearts, we may be ready to celebrate the joys of the Resurrection. This ancient tradition, intimately connected with the Rites of Holy Week and the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is encouraged, especially in those places baptizing catechumens at the Easter Vigil.
The obligation to fast applies to only Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. To fast in the Catholic tradition means to limit oneself to one full meal during the day so as to experience hunger.
The obligation of abstinence affects all Catholics who have reached the age of 14. Abstinence in the Catholic tradition means to abstain from meat and all meat products.
The obligation of fast and abstinence as a whole, is a serious obligation. While failure to observe any penitential day in itself may not be considered serious, failure to observe any penitential days at all, or a substantial number of them without good cause, would be considered a grave matter. Those unable to abstain for a valid reason on any given Friday of Lent are asked to perform some other penitential act, or to abstain on another day.
May all our Lenten prayers, fasting, and works of mercy help prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord with renewed minds and hearts.
Most Rev. Paul G. Bootkoski Bishop of Metuchen
The Catholic Spirit is taking place during the entire month of February, Catholic Press Month. The Catholic Spirit is now beginning its 15th year of publishing and has a special role to play in your life as a practicing Catholic. We urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to subscribe by using the envelope in your collection packet, or by calling The Catholic Spirit directly: 732-562-2424. The cost of a one year subscription is $30. Thank you!
Bible Study for Maturing Catholics
Diocesan Festival Choir
The Diocesan Festival Choir invites high school and adult singers to join us at the Cathedral of St Francis in Metuchen for a March 7 performance of the Requiem by John Rutter accompanied by chamber orchestras. This concert is in remembrance of deceased priests of the Diocese of Metuchen. Singers may register for the choir through Lisa Andrade at 732-562-1990 x1634. An Audition or recommendation from your parish Director of Music will be needed.
Wisdom Walk This is a six week journey for women involved in Church ministry desiring to deepen their spirituality, volunteers or salaried. Registration is $30 includes book and refreshments. Sessions begin Feb 11, 7-9pm at the St John Neumann Pastoral Ctr, Piscataway call 732-562-1990 x1624 to register or with inquiries
STRESS in Your Marriage?
Retrouvaille (French for ‘rediscovery’) is sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Metuchen, and consists of a weekend experience for couples (no group discussions) with six follow-up sessions. This is a program for married couples that are bored, disillusioned or angry in their marriage. This can lead to coldness and conflict. Retrouvaille can give you the tools needed to find the means to renew and heal your marriage. The next program begins the weekend of Feb 5-7 All inquiries are confidential. Please call 732-562-1990 x1624.
Pre-Cana Registration Time
Couples who are looking forward to their Church Wedding need to know a few of
the requirements. First and foremost, you need to be registered parishioners. If
you belong to a parish other than St Mary or St Theresa, you must obtain
permission from your pastor. Next, you should know that the Diocese of Metuchen
has specific requirements for marriages. Please go online to
St Mary’s will be hosting only one Spring Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation Session which will be held on Sunday ~ March 14 from 9:45am - 5pm. The cost is $150 per couple which includes breakfast, and lunch. Mass will fulfill the Sunday obligation. To register, contact Sonia at the Parish Office: 732- 545-5090. CLICK HERE FOR 2009 EVENTS AND PROGRAMS Publications:
The Catholic Spirit Box 191 Metuchen, NJ 08840 Price $30 Per Year
Synod: Get news on Synod pages at www.diometuchen.org.
©2009 St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church.org Prepared by Digital Pro Quo LLC
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