Church Regulations Regarding Fast and Abstinence For Lent Beginning Feb. 14th! Abstinence from meat (beast or fowl) is to be observed by all Catholics fourteen years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products, or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat. Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given fast day. Catholics who are eighteen years of age but not yet fifty-nine are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On fast days, two additional smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days is not permitted.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS – One of the features of the Lenten season is the praying of the Stations of the Cross which is done very Friday in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Saint Cecilia Church. The Stations begin on Friday, February 16th. Stations at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church will take place every Friday evening during Lent at 7 o’clock. On March 2nd, due to First Friday devotions, Stations will begin at 6 o’clock. Stations at Saint Cecilia Church will also take place every Friday evening during Lent but will begin at 7:30. On February 23 and March 16, due to Generations of Faith Programs, Stations will be cancelled but you are encouraged to go to Sacred Heart on these evenings. The Stations of the Cross are also prayed every Friday following the 8 o’clock morning Mass.

LENTEN LUNCHES – The annual Lenten Lunches sponsored by the churches of Rockaway will commence on Friday, February 16. The weekly event takes place at the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall and begins promptly at 12 Noon. The program consists of a light lunch (donation is expected) followed by a short prayer service conducted by a different clergyperson each week. You are invited to attend this ecumenical event which has been very successful over the years!

WINTER POLICY - Now that we are in the midst of the winter season please be aware of the following: In the event of inclement weather and Divine Mercy Academy is closed, the parish office will be closed and the church will be open ONLY for the liturgical service scheduled.  Also, all evening events will be cancelled.

BLESSING OF THROATS - The traditional blessing of the throat in commemoration of the Feast of Saint Blase, Bishop and Martyr, will take place at the conclusion of all Sunday Masses, February 3 & 4.

Mass & Blessing of Candles Friday, February 2nd, 8:00 a.m. Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of her son Jesus. This day also marks the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem. ... The festival is called Candlemas beacuse this was the day that all the Church's candles for the year were blessed.

Due to snow, tonight's prayer meeting (Jan. 17th) is cancelled.

Come to Divine Mercy Academy's Open House on Sunday January 28th, from 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM!   87 Halsey Ave., Rockaway Come see the difference an academically excellent Catholic education makes! We offer a safe, secure & compassionate environment with a high level of individualized attention; certified teachers; weekly liturgies & daily Religion class; academic curriculum with all core subjects; STEM; physical education; music, art, Spanish & library, with technology integrated throughout the curriculum.  Before-care/after-care/extracurricular activities available.   Full day & Half Day Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 programs starting at $2350/year. *  Full Day Kindergarten through 8th grade tuition rates as follows:  1 child: $4890         2 children: $7980    3 children: $9700 per year.*    Registration for the 2018-2019 school year begins during Catholic Schools Week, January 28th-February 3rd. *2017-2018 tuition rates

Craft and Vendor Fair St. Cecilia Church Hall 90 Church Street Rockaway, NJ 07866 Saturday, March 10, 2018 9:00 am  -  2:00 pm Crafters and Vendors are welcome [email protected] 973-886-8023  

THANK YOU – Many thanks to all those who came out last Tuesday evening to help take down the crèche and other Christmas decorations in the church and Hayes Hall: Agnes Maye, Marty Mackin, Joseph Servant, George Fatzer, Jeff Zuber, Dan Zarzecki, Susan Brennan, Diana & John Sullivan, Pat Deo, Jack Zayac and Ed Jozwiak. May Christ the Savior bless them! – Father Zig

THANK YOU – My thanks to George Fatzer who did an outstanding job in “touching up” the statues of the Nativity scene which was on display in the parish hall during Christmas. May the Lord richly bless him!- Father Zig

KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS FREE THROW CHAMPIONSHIP Knights of Columbus, Lafayette Council #514 Dover, NJ is holding their annual “Free Throw Championship.” Basketball free throw shooting for all boys and girls ages 9 to 14 as of January 1, 2018. Birth Certificate or other proof of age required. Date: Sunday January 28, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Sign up time from 1:00-1:15PM Location St. Mary’s School Gym, 345 S. Main St., Wharton, NJ Contact info: Tim Neal, 201-978-2598

Women at the Well: Social & Spiritual Refreshment for Women ages 18+. Join us on Saturday, January 20th at 6:30 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Women at the Well. This is a new group for women ages 18+ to grow in faith & friendship together. The evening begins with a potluck dinner, followed by a speaker, and finishing with the Rosary & quiet prayer. Registration is required by emailing Jennifer Nelson & Faith Rose at [email protected] with your name, parish and email address. All subsequent meetings for the year will be on the FIRST SATURDAYS of each month.

THANK YOU – I wish to express my thanks to all those who assisted me and the priests in decorating the church for the Christmas celebration: Deidre Zink, Ellen Kairas, Linda Donitoni, Susan Brennan, Pat and Cathy Deo, Ed Jozwiak, Joe Servent, Carol McGotty, Jim Gallagher, Jeff Zuber, Ed Merz, Diana & John Sullivan, Pat & Jack Zayac, Agnes Maye, George Fatzer, Thomas Pace, Anthony Scarrillo, Tyler Munoz, Charlie Rex, and Carol. May God bless you! – Father Zig

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS – The Christmas decorations in the church will be taken down this week following Monday’s celebration of Our Lord’s Baptism in the Jordan. The crèche and other exterior decorations will remain until the 40th day, the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation on February 2nd following ancient custom.