From the Office of Religious Education

Faith is a lived, shared experience. It is not static. It grows with each challenge we face and each wonder we experience. Do you want to grow in your own faith? If the answer is “yes” then please consider becoming a catechist in our Sunday morning program. The children are eager to hear about God and his works and witness the love of God. We need first, second and fourth grade catechists - people who are willing to share their love of God with the children of our parish. The rewards in terms of satisfaction and fulfillment are great and the program is easy to follow. Call 973-669-8331 for more information.

FIRST EUCHARIST PICTURES have arrived. If your child received First Eucharist this year, you may pick up your pictures at the rectory during regular office hours (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

Please return registration material as soon as possible. Registration forms were handed out in class this year. If you haven’t gotten one, please call the office. Classes are held for grades Kindergarten through Eighth.

Parents of children who are approaching Eucharist or Confirmation age need to register their children in the Religious Education program.

RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: If you or someone you know is interested in completing the sacraments or becoming Catholic, the RCIA program can help. Explore the possibilities by calling 973-669-8331 for information that can help you decide whether or not this is the right approach for you.

Little Rock Scripture Studies: are discontinued until the Fall. Consider joining us when we discuss the Gospel of Luke and what it means in our time period.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer shawls are labors of love knitted or crocheted by women of the parish while they pray for the recipient. If you know someone who would like a prayer shawl, please call the Religious Education office.

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Youth Group News
Youth Group members are enjoying the summer. They have done a large amount of work renovating the Youth Room. Anyone interested in donating furniture or supplies for the Youth Room, please contact me by email at mpetrillo09@caldwell.edu. We are in need of couches, chairs, tables, etc., and will be grateful for your help.

Michael Petrillo, Youth Minister
Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph’s

Join the Rosary for Life and Pray to End Abortion

“In just the same way, God looks after every soul as if it had no equal. All is planned for the good of every soul, exactly as the seasons are so arranged that the humblest daisy blossoms at the appointed time.”
-Saint Therese, the Little Flower

Every second Saturday of the month, the Respect Life Ministry gathers with others to pray the Rosary across the street from the Pilgrim Medical Center, the Montclair abortion clinic. We meet in front of the Social Security office at 396 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. When the group is there gathered in prayer, often more babies (and mothers) are saved.

For more information, call Bonnie & Brian Ludwig (973-731-0734) or Liz Arias (973-239-7868).

REMEMBER SAINT JOSEPH’S FOOD PANTRY WHEN YOU ARE SHOPPING. YOUR DONATIONS OF NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.

Capuchin Franciscan friars Fr. Michael Marigliano, Fr. Michael Sevigny and Fr. Phil Roman will be leading the following pilgrimages to Holy sites around the world this fall:
     “Holy Land” (Sept. 25-Oct3)
     “Franciscan Italy (Oct. 2-9 - Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis in Assisi)
     “Great Women of Faith” (Oct. 9-16, Paris/Lourdes/
Lisieux)
     “Medjugorje - Journey to Peace” (Oct. 23-30)
     “Our Lady in the New World” (Dec. 8-13, Guadalupe/
Mexico City - Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 in Guadalupe)
Proceeds benefit the work of the Franciscans. For more information, contact Franciscan Spirit Tours at 646-736-7964, or www.FranciscanSpiritTours.com. Mention you were referred by this bulletin and the parish will receive a contribution.

Volunteers Needed
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is looking for volunteers at the Bishop Francis Immigration Center and Refugee Resettlement Program. This program is located at 976 Broad Street, Newark. Do you have a few hours a week/month to help welcome the stranger? Volunteers are needed for our reception desk and to drive newly arrived refugees to appointments. Hours are flexible. For more information, contact Catherine L’Insalata at 973-266-7978 or email cl’insalata@ccannj.org.

An Annulment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th, at the Archdiocesan Center (Auditorium A), 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, at 7:30 p.m. A canon lawyer from the Archdiocese of Newark will discuss the most recent theology, guidelines and requirements for obtaining a Church annulment, presented in terms that all can understand. A question and answer period will conclude the session. Pre-registration is not necessary. For additional information, call the Office of Family Life Ministries at 973-497-4327.

ATTENTION STUDENTS WHO WILL APPLY TO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THIS FALL!
In order to apply to any of the 32 Catholic high schools in the four counties within the Archdiocese of Newark, students in the 8th grade must take the 2008 COOP Exam. The exam will be given on Friday, November 7, 2008. For more information, visit www.coopexam.org or call 1-888-921-COOP.

PARISH PILGRIMAGE
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Washington, NJ
Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, Doylestown, PA

Reservations: Agnes Malgapo 973-669-4207
Date Saturday, August 16, 2008
Departure: 8:15 a.m.
Return: 8:15 p.m.
Cost: $32.00

Marriage Enrichment Series for Catholic Married Couples
A bi-weekly series of interactive informational sessions to fortify marriage, presented by the Office of Family Life Ministries.
Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
$25 per couple/per session, or $100 per couple for the 5-part series (in advance).
Sept. 11 - God’s Plan for Marriage - Damon Owens, M.S.
Sept. 15 - Improving Communication in Marriage - Vincent McMahon, Ed.S.
Oct. 9 - Healing a Troubled Marriage - Patricia Newman, LCSW
Oct. 23 - Spirituality of Marriage - Most Rev. John Flesey, S.T.D., D.D., Regional Bishop of Bergen County
Nov. 6 - Finance from a Christian Perspective - Michelle & John Krystofik, CPA

Day of Reflection for Marriage Couples
Nov. 22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m
Rev. Mariusz Koch, C.F.R., Retreat Master
Xavier Retreat Center, Convent Station
$95 per couple (lunch included). Pre-registration required.

Information & Registration: 973-497-4323

Spiritual Pilgrimage to Italy
August 18-28, 2008 Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph’s Parish will sponsor an eleven-day trip to Italy. The trip includes visits to Milan, Padua, Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome and more. The chaplain/spiritual director for the trip is Fr. Joe Petrillo. Cost: $3,158.00 (airport taxes included). Optional insurance is available for an additional $198.00. For terms and more information, call Margo Abad of AAA Travel at 973-325-0024, ext. 3008..




	SCHOOL NEWS by Lynda Wright, Principal What a wonderful year for Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy! On our last day of school we had an all-school Awards Assembly to celebrate the academic excellence of our young scholars. The day ended with a appreciation luncheon for our teachers. Please join me in welcoming new Pre-school teacher, Jennifer D’Alessio, who joins Kathryn Morella as a Pre-K4 teacher in our Tiny Blessings program. Jennifer is a parishioner, Lector and Catechist at Saint Joseph’s, and is looking forward to being a member of the faculty of Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy. Registration is continuing through the summer and we particularly need students in Grade 2 and Grade 7. If you are looking for a school change for your child, please consider your parish co-sponsored school as a possible choice. You are welcome to call the school at 973-731-3503 to make an appointment with the principal to tour the school. The Blessed Pope John XXIII Academy Advantage For all students from Pre-K3 to Grade 8 A quality education in a Christ-centered environment Religious and sacramental training for all students World language program (Latin, Spanish, French) Computer classes with controlled internet usage Talented and Gifted program/Resource Room EXCEL (Extended Care Enriching Learning) Emphasis on math, science and writing A challenging academic program Secure and caring environment Outstanding athletic program Reasonable tuition FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE AT 973-731-3503



	From the Office of Religious Education Faith is a lived, shared experience. It is not static. It grows with each challenge we face and each wonder we experience. Do you want to grow in your own faith? If the answer is “yes” then please consider becoming a catechist in our Sunday morning program. The children are eager to hear about God and his works and witness the love of God. We need first, second and fourth grade catechists - people who are willing to share their love of God with the children of our parish. The rewards in terms of satisfaction and fulfillment are great and the program is easy to follow. Call 973-669-8331 for more information. FIRST EUCHARIST PICTURES have arrived. If your child received First Eucharist this year, you may pick up your pictures at the rectory during regular office hours (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Please return registration material as soon as possible. Registration forms were handed out in class this year. If you haven’t gotten one, please call the office. Classes are held for grades Kindergarten through Eighth. Parents of children who are approaching Eucharist or Confirmation age need to register their children in the Religious Education program. RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: If you or someone you know is interested in completing the sacraments or becoming Catholic, the RCIA program can help. Explore the possibilities by calling 973-669-8331 for information that can help you decide whether or not this is the right approach for you. Little Rock Scripture Studies: are discontinued until the Fall. Consider joining us when we discuss the Gospel of Luke and what it means in our time period. Prayer Shawl Ministry: Prayer shawls are labors of love knitted or crocheted by women of the parish while they pray for the recipient. If you know someone who would like a prayer shawl, please call the Religious Education office. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Youth Group News Youth Group members are enjoying the summer. They have done a large amount of work renovating the Youth Room. Anyone interested in donating furniture or supplies for the Youth Room, please contact me by email at mpetrillo09@caldwell.edu. We are in need of couches, chairs, tables, etc., and will be grateful for your help. Michael Petrillo, Youth Minister Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph’s Join the Rosary for Life and Pray to End Abortion “In just the same way, God looks after every soul as if it had no equal. All is planned for the good of every soul, exactly as the seasons are so arranged that the humblest daisy blossoms at the appointed time.” -Saint Therese, the Little Flower Every second Saturday of the month, the Respect Life Ministry gathers with others to pray the Rosary across the street from the Pilgrim Medical Center, the Montclair abortion clinic. We meet in front of the Social Security office at 396 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. When the group is there gathered in prayer, often more babies (and mothers) are saved. For more information, call Bonnie & Brian Ludwig (973-731-0734) or Liz Arias (973-239-7868). REMEMBER SAINT JOSEPH’S FOOD PANTRY WHEN YOU ARE SHOPPING. YOUR DONATIONS OF NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. Capuchin Franciscan friars Fr. Michael Marigliano, Fr. Michael Sevigny and Fr. Phil Roman will be leading the following pilgrimages to Holy sites around the world this fall: “Holy Land” (Sept. 25-Oct3) “Franciscan Italy (Oct. 2-9 - Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis in Assisi) “Great Women of Faith” (Oct. 9-16, Paris/Lourdes/ Lisieux) “Medjugorje - Journey to Peace” (Oct. 23-30) “Our Lady in the New World” (Dec. 8-13, Guadalupe/ Mexico City - Celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 in Guadalupe) Proceeds benefit the work of the Franciscans. For more information, contact Franciscan Spirit Tours at 646-736-7964, or www.FranciscanSpiritTours.com. Mention you were referred by this bulletin and the parish will receive a contribution. Volunteers Needed “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is looking for volunteers at the Bishop Francis Immigration Center and Refugee Resettlement Program. This program is located at 976 Broad Street, Newark. Do you have a few hours a week/month to help welcome the stranger? Volunteers are needed for our reception desk and to drive newly arrived refugees to appointments. Hours are flexible. For more information, contact Catherine L’Insalata at 973-266-7978 or email cl’insalata@ccannj.org. An Annulment Information Evening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10th, at the Archdiocesan Center (Auditorium A), 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, at 7:30 p.m. A canon lawyer from the Archdiocese of Newark will discuss the most recent theology, guidelines and requirements for obtaining a Church annulment, presented in terms that all can understand. A question and answer period will conclude the session. Pre-registration is not necessary. For additional information, call the Office of Family Life Ministries at 973-497-4327. ATTENTION STUDENTS WHO WILL APPLY TO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL THIS FALL! In order to apply to any of the 32 Catholic high schools in the four counties within the Archdiocese of Newark, students in the 8th grade must take the 2008 COOP Exam. The exam will be given on Friday, November 7, 2008. For more information, visit www.coopexam.org or call 1-888-921-COOP. PARISH PILGRIMAGE Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Washington, NJ Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine, Doylestown, PA Reservations: Agnes Malgapo 973-669-4207 Date Saturday, August 16, 2008 Departure: 8:15 a.m. Return: 8:15 p.m. Cost: $32.00 Marriage Enrichment Series for Catholic Married Couples A bi-weekly series of interactive informational sessions to fortify marriage, presented by the Office of Family Life Ministries. Archdiocesan Center, 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, 7:30-9:00 p.m. $25 per couple/per session, or $100 per couple for the 5-part series (in advance). Sept. 11 - God’s Plan for Marriage - Damon Owens, M.S. Sept. 15 - Improving Communication in Marriage - Vincent McMahon, Ed.S. Oct. 9 - Healing a Troubled Marriage - Patricia Newman, LCSW Oct. 23 - Spirituality of Marriage - Most Rev. John Flesey, S.T.D., D.D., Regional Bishop of Bergen County Nov. 6 - Finance from a Christian Perspective - Michelle & John Krystofik, CPA Day of Reflection for Marriage Couples Nov. 22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Rev. Mariusz Koch, C.F.R., Retreat Master Xavier Retreat Center, Convent Station $95 per couple (lunch included). Pre-registration required. Information & Registration: 973-497-4323 *Special Announcement about Mass Intentions* Increasingly, parishioners have been interested in offering a Mass intention on the occasion of an anniversary or a recent death, only to learn that the soonest available Mass is months away. To provide for this need, one Sunday Mass (mostly every week) will be reserved for multiple intentions, effective immediately. The Mass cards for these Masses will specifically state that the Mass is offered for multiple intentions, including the name of your particular intentions just as on our familiar Mass cards. *Calling All Special Educators & Psychologists* If you have training in behavior strategies, a desire to share your gifts with your church, and 60 to 90 minutes per week to help others help children with behavior challenges learn to attend Mass, we need you! Contact Anne Masters, Director for Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities for the Archdiocese of Newark, at 973-497-4309 or masteran@rcan.org. Spiritual Pilgrimage to Italy August 18-28, 2008 Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph’s Parish will sponsor an eleven-day trip to Italy. The trip includes visits to Milan, Padua, Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome and more. The chaplain/spiritual director for the trip is Fr. Joe Petrillo. Cost: $3,158.00 (airport taxes included). Optional insurance is available for an additional $198.00. For terms and more information, call Margo Abad of AAA Travel at 973-325-0024, ext. 3008.. Thoughts on Marriage Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and great thinker of the 4th century B.C., once suggested that marriage was “an older and more fundamental thing than the state.” He believed that marriage grew from love between man and woman that is “evidently a natural feeling, for nature has made man even more of a pairing than a political animal.” Aristotle traces this relationship to man’s “natural impulse, an impulse that leaves behind them soming of the same nature (children).” For more information, go to www.foryourmarriage.org.
	A few things you might not know about our parish Youth Group: The Youth Director, Michael Petrillo, and a few of the Youth Group members, coach our school’s basketball, baseball and soccer teams. Paul Hirsch, a trusted friend, works side by side with Michael at every meeting. Paul is an EMT. He also holds a few positions at Our Lady of Lourdes, including Coordinator of the Altar Servers. A few members of the group are active Altar Servers. Some members volunteer at Holy Trinity Church Soup Kitchen. The Youth Group was highlighted at Our Lady of Lourdes Ministry Fair in October.
	Visit Lourdes Adult Academy Book and Gift Store online this Christmas season and support LAA with your personal and gift purchases! The online store at www.lourdesadultacademy.org is partnered with Amazon.com and enables you to securely purchase featured books, music CD’s, DVD’s, watches, jewelry, gift certificates and most anything else offered by Amazon.com through the website when you use the site ads and links. It’s a wonderful, painless way to shop and support Lourdes Adult Academy this holiday season.