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The 4th Sunday of Easter “ World Day of Prayer for Vocations”
“OUR WORSHIP PAGE”
First Reading: Acts 13:14, 43-52
Paul and Barnabas addressed many people,
and large crowds gathered to hear them. Some
of the Jews became jealous, and argued with
whatever Paul said. But Paul and Barnabas
continued preaching their message of salvation
and everlasting life, until they were eventually
forced to leave the town.
Second Reading: Revelation 7:9, 14b-17
John saw a vision of many people surrounding
a throne and the Lamb. One of the elders told
him these were the people who had survived
great periods of trial, but maintained strong
faith in God. Now they would receive eternal
protection and comfort from God as reward for
their loyalty.
Gospel: John 10:27-30
Jesus states that his sheep know his voice and
follow him, and will receive eternal life. Jesus
also says that no one can snatch his followers
away, because God is greater than anyone
who might try, and Jesus is one with God.
Masses for the Week:
Saturday, April 16th – Easter Weekday
5:30 Healy Ward 2nd Anniversary from Sophie Sokol
Sunday, April 17th – 4th Sunday of Easter
7:30 Arthur Hoser from Marie Stahlmann & Family
9:30 John Kearns 8th Anniversary from Patty & Family
11:30 Eileen Henry & Mary Hanik Birthdays from BeBe
1:00 Victor Perez Anniversary from Familia Perez Cabrera
Monday, April 18th Easter Weekday
7:30 Katherine Breen from Minnie Guidera
Tuesday, April 19th Easter Weekday
7:30 Denise Gartner from John and Dolly Oscovitch
Wednesday, April 20th Easter Weekday
7:30 Gertrude Leahy 9th Anniversary from Her Daughter
Thursday, April 21st St. Anselm
7:30 Agnes Kelly from Her Husband and Family
Friday, April 22nd Easter Weekday
7:30 Alberto Daloc from Josie
Saturday, April 23rd St. George & St. Adalbert
8:00 Joan Gibbs Birthday from Her Family
5:30 For the Mullaney & Simonetti Families from Mickey
Sunday, April 24th – 5th Sunday of Easter
7:30 Debora Vande Velde Birthday from Her Mother
and Family
9:30 Evelyn & John Kearns Anniversary from Patty and Family
11:30 Mary Ann Criscuolo Birthday from Richard and
Donna LaTour
1:00 Zunilda Tapia Anniversary from the Rueda Family
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday Acts 13:14, 43-52; Rv 7:9,14b-17; Jn10:27-30
Monday Acts 11:1-18; Jn 10:1-10
Tuesday Acts 11:19-26; Jn 10:22-30
Wednesday Acts 12:24—13:5a; Jn 12:44-50
Thursday Acts 13:13-25; Jn 13:16-20
Friday Acts 13:26-33; Jn 14:1-6
Saturday Acts 13:44-52; Jn 14:7-14
If the Mass intention is for your loved one
and you would like to bring up the gifts,
please Inform the ushers before the
Mass begins.
Please be aware!
Memorials for the Week

The Bread and The Wine used during the Masses will be
Offered in Memory of Brian Sherry from the Sherry Family

The Sanctuary Lamp and Mass Altar Candles used during
the Masses will burn in Memory of John Kearns from Patty and
Family
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Our Faith Formation Children will be
having their May Crowning during the 11:30
Mass on Sunday May 1, 2016.
There will be both limited parking and seating in
the Church.
Please drive with caution after the 11:30 Mass and
beginning of the 1:00 Mass.
There will be a lot of children in the parking lot.
April 17th through April 23rd, 2016
2016 Pope ‘Francis’s Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations
53rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations!
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is my great hope that, during the course of this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, all the baptized may
experience the joy of belonging to the Church and rediscover that the Christian vocation, just like every
particular vocation, is born from within the People of God, and is a gift of divine mercy. The Church is the
house of mercy, and it is the “soil” where vocations take root, mature and bear fruit.
For this reason, on the occasion of the 53rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, I invite all of you to reflect
upon the apostolic community, and to give thanks for the role of the community in each person’s vocational journey. Each vocation in the Church has its origin in the compassionate gaze of Jesus. Conversion and
Vocations are two sides of the same coin, and continually remain interconnected throughout the whole of
the missionary disciple’s life.
On this day dedicated to prayer for vocations, I urge all the faithful to assume their responsibility for the
care and discernment of vocations. When the Apostles sought someone to take the place of Judas Iscariot,
Saint Peter brought together one hundred and twenty of the brethren (cf. Acts 1:15); and in order to chose
seven deacons, a group of disciples was gathered (cf. 6:2). Saint Paul gave Titus specific criteria for the
selection of presbyters (cf. Titus 1:5-9). Still today, the Christian community is always present in the
discernment of vocations, in their formation and in their perseverance (cf. Apost. Ex. Evangelii Gaudium,
107).
Vocations are born within the Church. From the moment a vocation begins to become evident, it is necessary to have an adequate “sense” of the Church. No one is called exclusively for a particular region, or for a
group or for an ecclesial movement, but rather for the Church and for the world. “A sure sign of the
authenticity of a charism is its ecclesial character, its ability to be integrated harmoniously into the life of
God’s holy and faithful people for the good of all” (ibid., 130).
Vocations grow within the Church. In the course of formation, candidates for various vocations need to
grow in their knowledge of the ecclesial community, overcoming the limited perspectives that we all have at
the beginning. To that end, it is helpful to undertake some apostolic experience together with other members
of the community, for example: in the company of a good catechist, to communicate the Christian message;
together with a religious community, to experience the evangelization of the peripheries sharing in the life of
the cloister, to discover the treasure of contemplation.
Vocations are sustained by the Church. After definitive commitment, our vocational journey within the
Church does not come to an end, but it continues in our willingness to serve, our perseverance and our
ongoing formation. The one who has consecrated his life to the Lord is willing to serve the Church wherever
it has need.
We ask the Lord to grant to all those who are on a vocational journey a deep sense of belonging to the
Church; and that the Holy Spirit may strengthen among Pastors, and all of the faithful, a deeper sense
of communion, discernment and spiritual fatherhood and motherhood. Father of mercy, who gave
your Son for our salvation and who strengthens us always with the gifts of your Spirit, grant us
Christian communities which are alive, fervent and joyous, which are fonts of fraternal life, and
which nurture in the young the desire to consecrate themselves to you and to the work of evangelization. Sustain these communities in their commitment to offer appropriate vocational catechesis
and ways of
proceeding towards each one’s particular consecration. Grant the wisdom needed for vocational
discernment, so that in all things the greatness of your merciful love may shine forth. May Mary,
Mother and guide of Jesus, intercede for each Christian community, so that, made fruitful by the
Holy Spirit, it may be a source of true vocations for the service of the
Holy People of God.
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The 4th Sunday of Easter “ World Day of Prayer for Vocations”
“OUR STEWARDSHIP PAGE”
“Stewardship of Time and Treasure”
Monday, April 18
 CCD 7:00PM
th
Tuesday, April 19th
 Youth Choir 6:30PM
 Hispanic Choir 7:30PM
AA 8:00PM / K of C 8:00PM (K of C)

Wednesday, April 20th
 Bible Study Group 7:00PM(P.C.)
 Youth Group Senior High 7:30PM (GYM)
 Neocatechumenate Community 7:30PM

Thursday, April 21st
 Hispanic Prayer Group 7:00PM
 Adult Choir 7:00PM
Charismatic Shepherds Flock 7:30PM(P.C.)
 Men’s Group 7:30PM (P.C.)
 Children’s Liturgy Prep 7:30PM(P.C.)
 Sisters In Spirit 7:30PM (L.C.)

125
th
Friday, April 22nd
Anniversary Gala 6-11pm!
Saturday, April 23rd
 Confessions 4:00 to 5:00
 Instrument Practice 4:30PM
 Neocatechumenate Community 7:30PM
 Tootsie Roll Drive for Developmentally Challenged
Citizens will be held by the Knights of Columbus
after all Masses on April 23 and April 24

Sunday, March April 24th
 Children’s Lit Mass 9:30AM
 Coffee And… 9:30AM
 CCD 10:45AM
 K of C Tootsie Roll Drive
 Youth Mass 11:30AM
Hispanic Retreat 2-6:00PM (L.C.)
Calendar Meeting May 27th
Our Yearly Calendar meeting will be held on
Friday, May 27th at 7:00PM in the Parish Center.
Please either e-mail me at ([email protected])
or drop off your Completed typed yearly Calendar
No later than Friday, April 22, 2016
2016 Sharing God’s Blessings
Our Annual Appeal has begun
Our goal is $45,175.00
Amount Pledged to date: $7,890.00
Number of Donors to Date: 31
We cannot thank you enough for all of your
support! Every Gift Makes a
Difference in someone’s life!
“OUR 125th ANNIVERSARY”
125th Anniversary
Of
St. Francis of Assisi Church
Friday, April 22, 2016
6:00pm – 11:00 pm
The Graycliff, Moonachie, N.J.
SOLD OUT EVENT
The 2016 Honorees are………..
Christopher & Celeste Farrell
Edward Galas
Victor & Agnes Ghilain
Richard & Donna Latour
Candida Valdez
Special Anniversary Mass & Concert
Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Rev. Joseph C. Doyle, Celebrant
Immediately following
Music Ministry “Voice Concert”
Closing Mass
Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 5:30 pm
The Celebrant will be,
Msgr. C. Anthony Ziccardi
Parishioner Personal Histories
Contributions collected from our
Masses on April 9th and 10th
$6,359.00
Thank You for your continued generosity
.
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This month you will read about
Shirley and Jim Vogler
Longtime parishioners of our Church.
April 17th through April 23rd, 2016
“YOUTH ZONE”
*Wednesday, April 20th - SENIOR HIGH MEETING
at 7:30 PM in the lower church.
*Sunday, April 24th - Coffee And after the 9:30 AM
Mass and YOUTH MASS at the 11:30 AM Mass
*Wednesday, April 27th - SENIOR HIGH MEETING
at 7:30 PM in the lower church.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONGRATULATIONS OUTSTANDING YOUTH!!
Congratulations to Jodie Buri, and Tim
Strowbridge, two members of our High School
Youth Ministry program who received the
Outstanding Youth Award this past Friday night at
the 49th annual Archdiocesan Cotillion. This award
recognizes and honors youth involved in their
parish programs for the outstanding contributions
they have made in bringing Christ to their youth
ministry, parish and community. We are so very
proud of you!!
“SPIRITUALITY”
SISTERS IN SPIRIT! Women’s Group
Who are we and what is Our Mission? We are women
who want to grow: spiritually in our faith; closer to God;
in fellowship with one another.
We meet the 3rd Thursday of every month 7:30pm till
9:30pm. St. Francis Lower Church. Bring a Friend!
Everyone is Welcome! Our next gathering will be on
Thursday, April 21st. This will be a Tea Party and
Jewelry Swap. Babysitting is available– reserve a spot for
your youngster in advance! For more info, contact
Celeste at 201-641-6464, [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook @ Sisters in SpiritSt. Francis Ridgefield Park.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
“The dates for the 11-Day Pilgrimage to the Holy are
July 27 – August 6, 2016 at a tour cost of $4,000 per
person. A deposit of $500 will reserve a spot on the
pilgrimage for you. For information and Reservation
Forms, please contact Sally at 201-641-6464.”
K of C Memorial Mass
A Memorial Mass for Past Grand Knight Kevin Nolan
will be held on Friday, 4/29, at 7:30 PM at St. Francis
Church, celebrated by K of C Chaplain, Fr. Fernando.
We are inviting all Knights of Columbus members. Kevin
was an usher for many years and well known in the
parish. He was also Chairman of the Tootsie Roll Drive
for many years. We will be taking donations in his name
for the Developmentally Challenged Citizens that
evening at the K of C hall. All parishioners are invited to
the Mass and then to a gathering at the K of C
downstairs hall @ 106 Park St. for light refreshments
following the Mass.
“OUR FAMILY PAGE”
“WE ARE LIVING STONES”
Thank you to those who so generously gave to our
Living Stones Campaign. We cannot thank you enough
for all your Generosity. If you have not done so,
please pray, and consider making a pledge
Our Goal is: $453,693.00
Amount Pledged To Date: $418,763.00
Number of families who have donated: 149
Amount still needed to reach our goal:
$34,930.00
To date the Parish has received back 3
payments totaling: $55,950.75
THERE IS STILL TIME TO PLEDGE
From this day forward:
Couples contemplating marriage should make
arrangements with one of the priests at the Parish
Center one-year in advance to insure
adequate preparation for this Sacrament.
Baptized in the Name of the
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Baptisms take place the third Sunday of Each
month at 3:00. Please call the Parish Center
for Paperwork and availability of the date.
“The May Baptism Schedule”
May 13th -Baptism Prep Class at 7:00PM
May 15th - Celebration of Baptism 3:00PM
“The June Baptism Schedule”
June 10th - Baptism Prep Class at 7:00PM
June 19th- Celebration of Baptism 3:00PM
Fear not, for I am with you:
Please pray for those who passed away.
The Lord will protect and
Keep you always!
The Family of St. Francis has many Parishioners
who are in need of Prayers
Especially: Isaiah McLean, Michael Cardenas Sr,
Vincent Dante, Ann Hartmann, Jean Lynch,
Jeannie Francisco, Michael Cardenes Sr.,
Michael Mc Grath, Briana Lopez and Baby Ceci.
If you have a family member who is seriously ill and
would like their name on our prayer list, please call
the Parish Center. The names will be first announced at Masses for two weekends and then
placed in the bulletin.
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The 4th Sunday of Easter “ World Day of Prayer for Vocations”
“Noticias de la Comunidad hispana”
“IN AND OUT OF TOWN”
5th Annual Walk in Memory of
Robert Johnson April 23, 2016
Domingo Mundial de Oración por las Vocaciones
The walk will be on Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Location: The New Overpeck Park, 199
Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ
2:00 pm Registration Opens, 3:00 pm Welcome,
and 3:30 pm Walk Begins. If you Register in person
on the day of the walk it will be $40.00 adults $25
Children ($30 Registration Fee for Adults $15 for
Children (12 and under) if you Pre register
go online at: htio.org/histiowalkrobertjohnson.
Donations are welcome!
Our Monthly Bus trip to Atlantic
City’s Resorts Will be on Friday, May 6, 2016.
For reservations please call Ed (201) 440-4170. The
bus will leave from the Civic Center, 159 Park
Street, Ridgefield Park at 9:00AM. The cost is
$35.00 with a voucher return.
Wine and Food Tasting to Support
the St. Francis Food Pantry
Location: Hook and Ladder Company #2
93 Hazelton Street on Saturday, May 7th at
6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 per person, advance
sales only. Call Leslie and Mark Olson at
201-440-5989 Participating local businesses
involved: Dante’s Pizzeria & Restaurant; MK
Valencia Restaurant Sparta Taverna; Sofrito
Restaurant; and Village IGA. Proceeds to benefit
the St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry.
Dance, Cardio & Pilates Classes
Parishioner willing to run a group Exercise
Program here at St. Francis on Friday evenings at
7 pm-9pm in the lower church.
No charge, just fun and exercise. Interested
individuals should call Maritza at 201-449-6699.
Oración del Papa Francisco por vocaciones
“Padre de misericordia, que has entregado a tu Hijo por nuestra
Salvación y nos sostienes continuamente con los dones de tu Espíritu,
concédenos comunidades cristianas vivas, fervorosas y alegres,
que sean fuentes de vida fraternal y que despierten entre los jóvenes
el deseo de consagrarse a Ti y a la evangelización.
Our Monthly Bus trip to Atlantic
City’s Golden Nugget Will be on Friday,
May 20, 2016. For reservations please call
Rosemary (201) 641-9517.The bus will leave from
the Civic Center, 159 Park Street, Ridgefield Park at
9:00AM. The cost is $35.00 with a voucher return.
Poppy Sale after all the Masses
American Legion Post 40 Poppy Sale will be after all
the Masses on May 21st and 22nd. The proceeds will
go toward helping Veterans in need.
Used suitcases for sale by a Church parishioner.
Please call 201-440-9427 for more details.
Sostenlas en el empeño de proponer a los jóvenes una adecuada
catequesis vocacional y caminos de especial consagración.
Dales sabiduría para el necesario discernimiento de las vocaciones
de modo que en todo brille la grandeza de tu amor misericordioso.
Que María, Madre y educadora de Jesús, interceda por las comunidades cristianas, para que, hechas fecundas por el Espíritu Santo,
sean fuente de auténticas vocaciones al servicio del pueblo santo de
Dios”.
Page 5
April 17th through April 23rd, 2016
17 de abril del 2016
IV Domingo De Pascua
SAN JUAN 10,27-30
Comentario del Padre Fernando Armellini
En aquel tiempo, dijo Jesús: «Mis ovejas escuchan mi voz, y yo
las conozco, y ellas me siguen, y yo les doy la vida eterna; no perecerán para siempre, y nadie las arrebatará de mi mano. Mi
Padre, que me las ha dado, supera a todos, y nadie puede arrebatarlas de la mano el Padre. Yo y el Padre somos uno.»
A partir del tercer siglo d.C. aparece con frecuencia en las catacumbas la
imagen del Cristo pastor llevando a hombros a una oveja, rodeado por el
rebaño. Es una escena que quiere representar la confianza y serenidad con la
que creyente atraviesa el valle obscuro de la muerte, sostenido o guiado por su
Señor.
No es solamente al dejar este mundo el momento en que el discípulo se abandona en los brazos de su pastor. Éste es solo el último trance, cuando queda
claro que todos los que se hicieron pasar por pastores durante su vida y que
predicaban enseñanzas contrarias a las de Cristo, no eran, en realidad, sino
mercenarios, vendedores de ilusiones. En los momentos decisivos se ven obligados a declarar su incapacidad para ayudar.
TARDE DE ALABANZA
El discípulo acepta hacerse acompañar por el Buen Pastor en cada momento
de su vida. Dejarse llevar por Cristo es una opción menos cómoda de lo que
parece. Presupone el coraje de confiar la propia vida a Cristo, sin ceder a la
angustia cuando no se ve claro ni el camino ni la meta. También significa
resistir a los halagos de los falsos pastores que en realidad no son sino ladrones, salteadores cuyo único objetivo (a menudo inconscientemente) es la
autoafirmación, la búsqueda de sus propios intereses.
“Aunque camine por valles de tinieblas, ningún mal temeré”.
Tema: “A tí te hablo, levántate”
Domingo 24 de abril, de 2:00 a 6:00 PM
INTENCIÓN DE LA MISA EL DOMINGO 17 DE ABRIL
Sótano de la Iglesia
Por Víctor Pérez, en su aniversario,
a pedido de la Familia Pérez Cabrera
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