Sunday, May 4 - St. Thomas Sunday
Monday, May 5 - Great Martyr Irene
Tuesday, May 6 - Joyday - Venerable Job the Longsuffering
Wednesday, May 7 - Repose of St. Alexis Toth
Thursday, May 8 - Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
Friday, May 9 - Prophet Isaiah
Saturday, May 10 - Apostle Simeon Zealotes
Sunday, May 11 - Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women - SS. Cyril and Methodius - Mother's Day
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 5:12-20 Gospel: John 20:19-31
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
1:00 p.m. Provodnoye at the Parish Cemetery
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 3:19-26 Gospel: John 2:1-11
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 4:1-10 Gospel: John 3:16-21
7:00 a.m. Matins
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 4:13-22 Gospel: John 5:17-24
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: 1 John 1:1-7 Gospel: John 19:25-27, 21:24-25
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 5:1-11 Gospel: John 5:30-6:2
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Acts 5:21-33 Gospel: John 6:24-27
5:00 p.m. Confessions
7:00 p.m. Vespers
Bible Readings for the Day: Epistle: Hebrews 7:26-8:2 Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
PRAYER LIST
- The members of our parish pray collectively and individually this week for those in our minds and hearts who are ill, those who have departed this life, and those in the Armed Forces currently serving our country with bravery and distinction here and throughout the world:DEPARTED: Archpriest John Mironko; JoAnn Czapkowski; Metropolitan LAURUS (Skurla); Olga Boshko; Archpriest Eugene Vansuch; Olga Stolte; Boris Shidlovsky; Helen Mukin; Archbishop GREGORY (Afonsky); George Zenko. Memory Eternal! Vechnaya Pamyat!
SICK: Metropolitan THEODOSIUS (Lazor); Archpriest Igor Soroka; Archpriest Michael Mihalick; Matushka Anastasia Gorodenchuk; Matushka Ann Hotrovich; Marisa Tufaro; Dorothy Grisby; Matthew Luongo; Mary Lementowicz; Mariah Martinez; Christina Smith; Thomas Telesca; Michael Dargento; Anthony Manzo; Diane DiVivo; Joseph Huba; Brahm Dubin; Edwin Paz; Adam Toht; Sonia Fineberg, Joseph Casal: Richard Martin; Beverly Zaremba; James Galati; Hailey Herbert; Susan Dill; Willian Dilubert; John Saurman; Daniel Posluszny; Michael Csernica; Myron Stepas; Katherine Tarzewski; John Sopchak; George Hoff; Harold Symanski; Victor Mueller; Nadja Lewis; Michael Toht; Alycia Narvarez; Patricia Campbell; Edward Romanofsky; Walentyna Posluszny; Elaine Ashton; David Ogan; Sophie Barnes; Rebecca Wishbow; Stephen May; Thomas Fackovic; Joyce Trzeciak; Marsha Rosatelli; Michael Clair; Dominick Calabrese; Joan Tita; Christopher Collins; Morgan Prittchit; John Gundersen; Irene Boulle; Anna Balabas; Walter Shenko; Deborah Rios; William Dworetzsky; Alan Zenkert; Norbert Gibney; Eugenia Dix; Natalia Licheli; Virginia Moran. We pray that God will speedily and completely relieve these individuals of their afflictions. Many Years! Mnogaya Lyeta! МНОГАЯ ЛУЕТА!
SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN: Archpriest Jerome Cwikinski; Archpriest Peter Baktis; Archpriest James Jadick; Priest Milton Gianulis; Priest Stephen Duesenberry; Priest Timothy Ullmann; Priest John Brown; Priest Joseph Velez; Priest Eugene Wozniak; Ivan Shidlovsky; Brian Anthony; Timothy Stepan; Nathaniel Woodill; Ryan Hany; Gregory Nosal; June Buyofsky-Rittman; Alexander Davis III; Patrick Kelly; Karen Bonet; Shaun Portaleos; David T. Floyd; Keith Sudder; Michael Dean; Kristian T. Kjesbu; Patrick Trenton; Robert Mahrer; Alexander Mauro; Steven Martinelli; Andrew Kubik; Gary Amatrudo; Daniel West; Frederick Testa; Patrick Lohr; Kristen Domboski; Constantin Lodzeischi; Michael Asprocolas; Sonja Spradley; Patrick Baldwin; Michael Gregus; Richard Swerski; Mark Ugi; Gregory Kniesler. May God bless and watch over them as they carry out their assigned duties. Many Years! Mnogaya Lyeta! МНОГАЯ ЛУЕТА!
 |
MILESTONES
- The following members of our parish are observing a significant day this week. Let us join in congratulating them and pray for their continued well-being! Many Years! Mnogaya Lyeta! МНОГАЯ ЛУЕТА!BIRTHDAYS: Happy Birthday to James Sopchak who observes his Big Day on Thursday, May 8. Many Years! Mnogaya Lyeta!
ANNIVERSARIES:
THANKS: To all who contributed to the betterment of our parish during the past week we offer this greeting: Many Years! Mnogaya Lyeta! МНОГАЯЛУЕТА!
 |
FOCA National Basketball Tournament - The South River R Club will be the host for this year's FOCA National Basketball Tournament. The event will be held Friday-Sunday, May 9-11. More details are to follow.
Church School Classes - There will be no Church School classes on Mother's Day. Church School classes will resume on Sunday, May 18.
The Altar Society will meet on Monday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m., in the Church Hall.
Parish Council will meet in the Church Hall on Monday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Casino Trip - The Men's Club is sponsoring a bus trip to the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City on Tuesday, May 20. Departure from the Church parking lot will be at 9:00 a.m. and the cost for the trip is $26.00. For further information or reservations, please see or contact Edward Boshko [732.254.1200], Paul Boshko [732.254.6991], or any Club member.
Graduation Exercises - Church School Closing/Graduate Recognition Exercises will be held on Sunday, June 22, following Divine Liturgy.
Annual FOCA Convention - The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians in America (FOCA) is holding its annual convention this year in Orlando, Florida, from Thursday-Monday, August 28-September 1, at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The room rate is $135 per night and is valid from August 23-September 4. The rate also includes Disney transportation to and from the airport and baggage handling. Convention attendees will have access to discounted tickets with special afternoon and late afternoon park rates available exclusively to them. The Contemporary Hotel is across the street from the Magic Kingdom. Many other areas of Walt Disney World can be accessed by the park's very unique transportation system, which is also included in the hotel stay. Lots of fun activities are being planned by the local FOCA committee. All friends and families are invited to join this organization in Disney World. Room reservations can be made by calling [407.824.3869] and specifying FOCA convention rates. The group rate code is #GO480381. Further information is available at www.orthodoxfellowship.org.
Looking Forward to:
- May 08- Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
- May 11- Mother's Day - SS. Cyril and Methodius
- May 21- Mother's Day - SS. Constantine and Helen - Mid-Pentecost
Using God's Gifts - Using God's gifts of time, talent, and treasure are vital in continuing to make our parish a living symbol and testimony of our love for Jesus Christ. Every offering, in every form, given to the Lord is a blessed one and such generosity and gratitude are critical to one's faith and to the mission, ministries, and activities of our Church. Please give where you can so that, together, we can support, sustain, and nurture our community as we continue our spiritual pilgrimage to Heaven, remembering the words of St. Peter: "Everyone should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10).
Information Regarding Our Church Cemetery - Neither the parish nor the Parish Council endorses private contractors for work at the cemetery and thus they are not responsible for such contracted work. Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Orthodox Internet Radio - With technology rapidly changing the way most Americans listen to the radio - especially through the Internet - Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), a commissioned agency of SCOBA (the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas), will be launching The Ark, a 24-hour Internet radio outreach starting on Sunday, January 21, at www.receive.org. Programming will focus on Orthodox Christian contemporary music, as well as on OCN's premier syndicated radio program, Come Receive the Light. Check it out!
Hospital Reminder - Because of new privacy laws (HIPAA), Fr. David is not notified of hospital admissions, even if he is cited at the time of hospital registration. The same is true for nursing homes. Therefore, if you want Father David to visit during a hospitalization or during a stay in a nursing home, please have a family member call him at the Church Rectory. He cares about you and would like to be there for you but he must first know that you are in the hospital.
The Care and Support of people in this God-protected community is something that falls on the shoulders of us all. We should take seriously our responsibility to keep track of those whom we do not often see, giving them a call or dropping them a note. Every one of us should reach out to those shut-in or in need of assistance, letting them know that we care. The opportunity to be on both the giving and receiving ends of this kind of concern and support is one of the reasons that we exist. As we move through the summer months, let us continue to nurture the connections among us as a safe and caring community. And may we not limit that caring, concern, and commitment to those within our walls, but strive as well to reach out to all who cross our path and to all in the world who need our care.
General Confession is held on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Those of you who regularly commune can participate on whichever weekend is more convenient. Please note that you are not required to go twice a month - only once - and, if you desire a private confession, Fr. David will be available, as usual, on Saturday afternoons, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Tetrapod Flowers - Remember your loved ones with a floral arrangement on the center Tetrapod. Flowers may be given to honor someone living or in memory of those who have fallen asleep. The name of the donors and their loved ones will be published in the bulletin. If you have a special date in mind, please contact James Kornafel at (732) 462-3388 to make the necessary arrangements. The cost is $50.00, payable to the Church. Make plans now to beautify the center Tetrapod for the upcoming Feast Days of 2008.
 |
All the News That's Fit to Print! - Get the latest news from Fr. David on your computer at home or work by sending your E-mail address to dfmg@aol.com. Fr. David will then add you to his news distribution list.
dfmg@aol.com |
Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed - Help is needed with set-up, serving, and clean-up as pertains to our weekly Coffee Hour. Please consider volunteering one Sunday as a way to give to our Church. Please see Emily Szestakowski or Hank Dziemian for details.
Pledge System - Information on this new financial support program will soon be available. If you have any questions, please see Michael Steffaro or our Treasurer, Diane Dreyer.
Matching Contributions - Many companies (perhaps yours) offer matching funds for donations to non-profit organizations. Please take time to find out if such a policy exists at your place of employment. In the meantime, thank you so much for your continuous support and generosity.
ORTHODOXJOBS is a source for Orthodox Christians who are seeking employment in an Orthodox environment. It is a collaborative effort of the Information Technologies Commission of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA), the Office of Vocations at Hellenic College, and St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. For more information, surf on over to www.orthodoxjobs.com.
Support Our Troops - Want to send your support to a soldier in harm's way, but have now idea what to send, whom to send it to, or how to send it? Log on to www.anysoldier.com. The Website provides information on what our troops need, as well as packaging and mailing criteria and contact person information. Packages are distributed to both male and female soldiers.
A Source of Current News about the Orthodox Church worldwide can be accessed on the Web at www.orthodoxnews.netfirms.com.
Orthodox Faith - Information about the Orthodox Faith on a Website containing prayers, readings, icons, and links to other resources can be found at www.ocf.org.
Our Parish Library is open every Sunday after Divine Liturgy. We have a wide range of resources for your reading, viewing, and listening enjoyment. Although most of these resources are not available at a public library, all of them are directed toward your spiritual growth. So, take advantage of what we have to offer - there's something for everyone!
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) has developed an essential collection of resources to help young people stay connected to the Church during their college years. The Connect Kit would make a beautiful Christmas gift from a godparent, parent, aunt, or uncle. For information, please call 1 (800) 919-1623, visit www.ocf.net, or write to OCF, P.O. Box 300249, Boston, Massachusetts 02130.
The Women's Group will now be meeting once per month at the Church Rectory after Sunday Divine Liturgy. The next meeting is at a date to be announced. They will be starting to read and discuss a new book on the Desert Fathers and Mothers when they meet later this month. If you are interested in joining, please speak to Matushka Shari either during Coffee Hour or by calling her at home at (732) 257-3067. The group has changed its set-up a bit to better serve its members. It now meets one Sunday per month, after Divine Liturgy, at the Church Rectory. During the meeting, the members talk about the book that they've been reading, touching upon questions the book raised or the meaning it had for them personally. At the end, each person shares, if so inclined, things she'd like the others to pray about for her or her loved ones. Until the next meeting, everyone prays for the specific requests of the others during their personal prayer time each day. If you think that you might be interested in joining and want more information, talk to one of the current members today - Mary Ann Barrett, Matushka Shari, Joan Pisuk, or Deborah Silowka. Books need to be ordered. Ask about some of the exciting results they've seen from consistently and specifically praying for one another! The date of the next meeting will be posted in the bulletin.
Join Our Parish Family - If you are 18 years of age and older, show your visible support of the parish which nourishes you and your family spiritually by becoming a registered parishioner. Questions? Please contact either Fr. David or Starosta Kornafel. Thanks.
 |
Pastoral Ministry - To make arrangements for funerals, baptisms, marriages, or counseling, call Fr. David at the Church Rectory. Also, please feel free to contact him, either by phone [(732) 257-0102] or e-mail [dfmg@aol.com], if you have any questions, problems, or concerns about the parish and/or your faith. All matters will be addressed as quickly as possible and will be kept in the strictest confidence.
Serve Through Singing and Reading - The Church Choir is seeking readers and new members, either experienced or beginners, to participate in the liturgical life of our Church. There are no auditions and the only qualification needed is a true desire to be of service to God, the Church, and the community. You don't need to be able to attend every rehearsal or sing every Sunday in order to be a part of this ministry. Practice sessions will resume in September. They are usually held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Church Hall. For more information, contact our Choir Director, Basil Kozak, at (917) 697-8058.
 |
Food Cards are available in the Church Hall each Sunday following Divine Liturgy. Even though you receive the face value for the coupons which you purchase, our Church realizes a profit from their purchase of the coupons at a discount to face value. If you are not already involved, you are stongly encouraged to do so. Don't delay - do it today! Food Cards - Because It Doesn't Make Sense Not To!
Administrative Reminder - Help us to keep our parish records current by notifying the Rectory of any errors or changes in names, addresses, and/or phone numbers. Your cooperation in this matter will be most appreciated.
 |
General Confession is held on the first and third Saturdays of the month except during Lenten periods and during the period following Pascha. Refer to the Weekly Service and Study Schedule for any changes. If you are a regular communicant, you are required to participate in this Sacrament on whichever weekend is more convenient. You do not need to go twice per month - only once. Particular Confessions are heard by Father David every Saturday from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Sick Calls - Please remember to call the Rectory if you know of a parishoner who needs to be visited by Father David, whether at home, in the hospital, or at a specialized care facility.
Traveling? - If so, call Fr. David for the locations of other Orthodox Churches in the United States.
Church Hall Reservations - Church Hall Rentals and Reservations are made through Carol Deerson. Please get in touch with her at (732) 254-4979.
Coffee Hour - Coffee Hour on St. Thomas Sunday will be hosted by the Parish Council. Contributions to defray the cost of this program are requested. Part of this offering is disbursed each month to our adopted seminarian families at St. Vladimir's and St. Tikhon's Seminaries.
 |
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Except for the Church School Children, neither Fr. David nor our Bulletin Editor, James Kornafel, maintains a list of parishoners' birthdays and wedding announcements. Therefore, if you or a loved one is celebrating a life event and want it acknowledged, you need to inform Father David or Jim far enough in advance so that it may be in that week's bulletin.
Last Will and Testament - If you are planning to make or change your will, it would be a nice gesture to name the parish as one of your beneficiaries. This would be a thoughtful remembrance not only on your behalf, but also on behalf of your family. Please give some serious consideration to this matter.
Bulletin Deadline - All announcements or notices for next week's Bulletin must be submitted to either Fr. David or our Starosta/Bulletin Editor, James Kornafel, by Thursday of each week. You can contact Father David at the Rectory or Jim by phone - (732) 462-3388; fax - (732) 845-3515; or e-mail - jimmyk@optonline.net.
 |
Classified Items - If you have items in good repair which you no longer have use for and wish to sell these items at fair value or to give them away, this is the spot on the Church Website to make the availability of such items known for our viewers to see.