HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION – December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation and the patronal feast for the United States. Holy Mass for this feast will be celebrated on Friday, December 7th at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm. On Saturday, December 8th, one Mass will be celebrated at 8 o’clock in the morning.
OPLATEK – The traditional Christmas bread, oplatek, will be available for the Christmas Vigil Supper, if this is your tradition. The oplatek may be found on the altar of Saint Joseph. An offering for the oplatek may be placed in the basket located for this purpose.
ADVENT CONFESSION – The sacrament of penance will be celebrated in our parish on Monday evening, December 17th beginning at 7 o’clock. A number of priests have been invited to join with us so that all will be accommodated in a timely manner. All Catholics, adults and children, should approach the sacrament of penance prior to the Christmas celebration as we prepare our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace.
TAX SAVING BENEFIT FOR SENIORS AGE 70 1/2 OR OLDER As a result of income tax reform last year, many seniors when filing their tax return may be able to benefit from using the “standard deduction” ($24,000 for married filing joint, $18,000 for head of household status and $12,000 for all others) in lieu of itemizing their deductions. If you are age 701/2 or older, a special tax rule allows you to make a “qualified charitable distribution” (donation) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to the parish (electronically or a check made payable to the parish by the IRA). The donation from the IRA is excluded from your income (even if you use the standard deduction) and applies toward your “minimum required distribution” (MRD) thereby reducing your taxable income. Each eligible person can make an IRA donation up to $100,000 per year. This is a general overview and you should discuss it with your tax advisor.
We wish to sincerely thank all who made donations and supported our Pro-Life Run and Walk A+Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on Ash Wednesday, and our 5K in Morristown, NJ., this year. We were delighted to welcome the large number of runners and walkers who joined this LIFE Runners’ project this year in support of human life from conception until natural death, and as we prayed together for the end of legalized abortion. Our chapter is part of the pro-life ministry at St. Cecilia’s Church. This Annual Fundraiser supports operations of the pro-life ministry in our parish, as well as various other pro-group groups, including the LIFE Runners national organization and Students for Life of America. A total of $2,482.00 was raised this year and the project was an outstanding success. More Info: 973-664-9460 Website: https://www.liferunners.org/
Annual Fish & Chips dinner - The Men's Society will be holding their annual Fish & Chips dinner Saturday night in Hayes Hall on December 8 for 5 PM to 7 PM. The price is Adults - $16, Seniors - $15 and Children - $8. Eat In or Take Out. Catering is by Tastefully British. Sign up after all masses or call Jim Gallagher (973-366-9699) Jack Zayac (973-625-4572) or Jeff Zuber (973-983-1272).
PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP CHANGES—Due to scheduling conflicts, the Padre Pio Prayer Group will meet on the following days: Wednesday, November 14th in the Parish Office AND on Wednesday, December 12 in the church and Hayes Hall. The gathering begins with Holy Mass at 7:00 pm. Please take note of these changes!!!