BRIDGE With open

arms for all!

Daily gospel reflections can be found on facebook at:

www.facebook.com/stfrancisparishlbi

Follow us on Twitter: @StFrancisLBI

Read our bulletin online at www.stfrancisparishlbi.org

St. Francis is a sending Parish to ASRCS All Saints Regional Catholic School (609) 597-3800 or visit: www.asrcs.org

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY Vocation Office vocations@fsallegany.org

Franciscan Sisters of Philadelphia, PA Vocation Office vocations@osfphila.org

St. Francis of Assisi Parish is a Franciscan Faith Community of

Holy Name Province in the Diocese of Trenton.

Find out more about Holy Name Province online at www.hnp.org

- PARISH STAFF -

Fr. Jim Scullion, OFM, Pastor Michele Beck, Music

Fr. Scott Brookbank, OFM Judith Clayton, FFF

Deacon Robert Cunningham Sr. Kathleen Flood, OSF Fr. John Frambes, OFM Sr. Patricia McNiff, OSF Jo Anne Reeder, Worship

Parish Office (609) 494-8813

Mon. - Fri. 9 AM to 3 PM (Closed for lunch 12 - 1 PM)

Family Faith Formation (609) 494-8813 ext. 153

Community Center (609) 494-8861

Counseling Services (609) 494-1554

TH

E

THE EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME MARCH 3, 2019

Jesus tells us: DON’T JUDGE. PERIOD!

Gospel Challenge:

How do I respond to Jesus?

Allegany Art Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY

“Why do you notice the splinter in your

brother’s eye, but do not perceive the

wooden beam in your own?”

DATE MASS INTENTIONS READINGS EVENTS

(L) Living +Deceased

Saturday, 9:00 AM +James T. Guardino, Sr. Sir. 17:1-15; March 2 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation Mk. 10:13-16 5:00 PM +Lamille L. Siegle Sir. 27:4-7; +Stephanie Johnston 1 Cor. 15:54-58; +Stephanie Jansson-Murphy Lk. 6:39-45 +Leonard Powers

Sunday, 8:45 AM +Jacqueline Custer Sir. 27:4-7; Order of Franciscan Secular, OFS March 3 10:00 AM +Charles J. Balbach 1 Cor. 15:54-58; 9:30 AM “Come and See”, Sr. Lounge +Dick Doyle, ofs Lk. 6:39-45 12:30 PM Fraternity Meeting, Church Hall 11:15 AM +Cathy Ingoglia +Bob Boyd +Barbara Berndt

Monday, 9:00 AM +Shirley & Anne Waldron Sir. 17:20-24; 9:30 AM Living the Word, Room 105 March 4 Mk. 10:17-27

Tuesday, 9:00 AM +Frederick Siegel Sir. 35:1-12; 9:30 AM St. Anthony Devotion March 5 Mk. 10:28-31 7:00 PM Men’s Cornerstone Planning, Maris Stella

Wednesday, Ash Wednesday Jl. 2:12-18; 7:30 PM Adoration of Blessed Sacrament March 6 7:30 AM Prayer Service 2 Cor. 5:20-6:2; 9:00 AM +Sr. Mary Waldron, ssj Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18 12:00 PM Prayer Service 5:00 PM Prayer Service (with children)

Thursday, 9:00 AM +Patrick R. Collum Dt. 30:15-20; March 7 +Russell G. Stein Lk. 9:22-25

Friday, 9:00 AM +Kathleen & James Waldron Is. 58:1-9a; 6:00 PM Soup & 7:00 PM Stations March 8 Mt. 9:14-15 Men’s Cornerstone Retreat, Maris Stella

Saturday, 9:00 AM +James W. Forsythe Is. 58:9b-14; 9:45 AM Contemplative Living, Sr. Lounge March 9 3:30 - 4:30 PM Reconciliation Lk. 5:27-32 Men’s Cornerstone Retreat, Maris Stella 5:00 PM Teen Ministry Dt. 26:4-10; +Lorraine Stack Rom. 10:8-13; +Michael Corbett Lk. 4:1-13

Sunday, 8:45 AM +John & Helen Barna Dt. 26:4-10; March 10 +Russell G. Stein Rom. 10:8-13; +Thomas Lally Lk. 4:1-13 10:00 AM +Raymond Bevilaque +Dick Doyle, ofs 11:15 AM +Cathy Ingoglia +Paul Kubeck +Jane Lorton

St. Francis of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ St. Francis of Assisi, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ

Page 1 - March 3, 2019

Parish Information

Mass Schedule through April 7/8

St. Francis of Assisi, Brant Beach 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation: 3:30-4:30 PM Saturday, 5:00 PM; Sunday, 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 AM

St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City - CLOSED

St. Thomas Aquinas, Beach Haven - CLOSED

St. Clare, Loveladies - CLOSED

Daylight Savings Time Begins Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 AM EST

turn Your Clocks AHEAD One Hour.

Emergency Information: Available on our answering machine (609) 494-8861 and on the following radio stations: WJRZ 100.1 FM; 98.5 FM; The Breeze 107.1 FM; WOBM 92.7 FM; and websites: njstormclosings.com, njstormwatch.com, centraljerseysnow.com and facebook.com/stfrancislbi. Get timely closing/delayed opening messages sent to your mobile device using RainedOut™ (rainedout.com).

Evacuation Information: In the event of a hurricane, severe weather, or extreme high tides, please do not call the Parish Office for assistance and note that none of the parish buildings (churches, community center, residences or maintenance facilities) has been designated as an evacuation site. Evacuate as soon as you can, following the direction of local officials.

Page 2 - March 3, 2019

A Letter From The Pastoral Staff...

Second Collection Today:

Human Concerns Project Our Family Support Services Department is an important component of our efforts in homelessness prevention. Our services include workshops on parenting support, violence prevention, anger management, the Food Pantry, utilities assistance, auto ownership of Ocean County & annual projects. Grants, donations & this collection support this crucial work. Thank you for your generosity.

Last Week’s 2nd Collection

Central & Eastern Europe Collected: $3,416

This Week We Need: Budgeted: $14,000

Last Week’s Collection Budgeted: $14,000 Collected: $10,624.37

Parish Collections

Parish Registration: The Parish Office is located on the second floor of St. Francis Community Center, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Twp., NJ. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Please notify the Parish Office as soon as possible if you are moving.

Baptism: The sacrament is celebrated three times a month at St. Francis Parish. Group Baptisms are the 2nd Saturday at 10:00 AM and the last Sunday at 12:45 PM each month at St. Francis Church in Brant Beach. Baptisms during Mass are celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the last Mass in each Church. Call the Parish Office for availability and requirements: at (609) 494-8813 ext. 154 or 155.

Faith Formation and Education: For children ages six through high school. Please call Judith Clayton at (609) 494-8813 ext. 153 for more information.

Marriage: In accordance with the Common Policy of the five Dioceses of New Jersey, arrangements must be made ONE YEAR in advance. Couples are required to attend Marriage Preparation classes. Weddings are performed on Friday or Saturday. Weddings are NOT performed on Sundays, the beach, Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day weekends.

Pastoral Visitations: Please notify the Parish Office if you or any of your loved ones are ill, homebound, in SOMC, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers.

Parish Information

Celiac Disease and Holy Eucharist

If you have Celiac disease and wish to receive Holy Eucharist, we now have low gluten hosts in all the churches. Please bring your own pyx [host container] to mass.

If you forget your pyx, please tell the priest. We have some extras in the safe.

Please see the priest before mass and he will provide you with a low gluten host. Complete directions are posted in the vesting sacristy.

Is God calling you to walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi?

Come and See

how Secular Franciscans live joyfully in the world and celebrate God’s creation.

Sunday, March 3, 9:30 - 11:15 AM

St. Francis Community Center, Sr. Lounge

For information call: Alice Latham, ofs, (848) 210-6129.

“Be still and know that I am God!” Psalm 46

Meditation and mindfulness have become popular tools in the mental health field. There are many workshops and materials on mindfulness and meditation. These tools help individuals who suffer stress, anxiety or survived a traumatic event. People who practice meditation on a regular basis can reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety; have a better quality of sleep, better concentration, and improved physical health.

Mindful meditation is nothing new to the Christian faith. It goes by different names of Centering Prayer or Contemplation. The early Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers practiced this form of prayer. The difference between mindful meditation used in the mental health field and centering prayer is that the person meditating is opened to the presence and action of God within their lives. Contemplation is about deepening our relationship with God and self.

The Trappist Fr. Thomas Keating (1923-2018) co-founded Contemplative Outreach and wrote many books on centering prayer. He stated that centering prayer is based on; “When you pray, go to your inner-room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you”. (Matthew 6:6).

Centering prayer is not only good for deepening our relationship with God, we also gain all the rewards that the “secular” meditation offers. If you decide that you want to use this form of prayer, start out with 5 minutes and work yourself up to longer periods of contemplation. For more information visit contemplativeoutreach.org.

Scott F. Brookbank, OFM

The Guidelines 1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to

consent to God’s presence and action within.

2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed, settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within.

3. When engaged with your thoughts,* return ever-so-gently to the sacred word.

4. At the end of the prayer period, remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

*thoughts include body sensations, feelings, images, and

reflections © Contemplative Outreach

Franciscan Spiritual Center presents:

Page 3 - March 3, 2019

Spiritual Direction

We now have five certified Spiritual Directors offering free Spiritual Direction in our parish. For an appointment please call:

Barbara H. Angeline, ofs, (609) 384-6188, Maryann Barrek, ofs, (609) 661-4441,

Anne Bock, ofs, (609) 204-3835, Kathy Egan, (215) 694-4651,

Pat Simmons, ofs, (609) 661-1361.

Reflect with others on the Sunday readings as a way to prepare for our Liturgy each week. Mondays at 9:30 AM in the Center. All are welcome, come whenever you can. This is not a Scripture class, no experience is necessary! Next scheduled meeting: March 4, Room 105

Living the Word

This group meets every two weeks to learn, discuss and reflect on passages of the Sacred Scriptures. The group is led by Tom Troyano and meets from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Center. No prior experience of Scripture study is required. Next scheduled meeting: March 13, Sr. Lounge

Scripture Study

Planning Meeting

Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 PM Maris Stella in Harvey Cedars

Please contact Jim Brady with questions or for more information at (908) 216-3757 or

sabrady@hotmail.com.

Men’s Cornerstone Retreat

Register Now!

Men’s Cornerstone Retreat March 8 & 9

Maris Stella Retreat House

For the men of the parish, conducted by the men of the parish.

Do you have 26 hours?

Pamphlets at church entrances.

Lenten Regulations 1. The days of fast and abstinence are: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

2. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

3. The Fridays of the year, outside of Lent, are designated Days of Penance, but each individual may substitute for the traditional abstinence from meat and some other practice of voluntary self-denial as penance. This may be physical mortification or acts of religion, charity or Christian witness.

Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast. By this obligation, the individual is permitted only one full meal a day.

At the age of 14, people are obliged to abstain. This obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.

The obligation to observe the laws of fast and abstinence “substantially” or as a whole is a serious obligation.

“Have mercy Lord, we have sinned.”

Soup and Stations

Before our Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent, we get together for community meal of soup, bread, and butter. We are always happy to accept a crockpot of your favorite meatless soup for our Soup & Stations of the Cross being held on Fridays March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5. Soup begins at 6:00 PM in the Brant Beach church hall. Please try to bring them by 5:30 PM for set-up. We will have extension cords ready for your electric crock pots. Hope to see you all there!

An Invitation to Contemplative Living

This program calls out to those who desire to live more contemplatively in the world, to grow in union with God and others, and to become more aware, intentional and free. God liberates us and heals us through the practice of contemplative prayer. Monthly sessions on the practice of contemplative prayer are scheduled. This group meets from 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM in the Center. Next scheduled meeting: March 9, Sr. Lounge Presenter: Sun Spriggs, “Lent is the time of metanoia”. Thomas Merton.

This week, we will once again celebrate Ash Wednesday, the beginning of a yearly 95 day long journey through lent, the Tridumm, and Easter season which ends on Pentecost Sunday, June 9. For such a long trip we need nourishment, and like all journeys, our trip begins with a single step. We choose to begin by wearing ashes to mark the day. These will be the times when we secretly fast, care for others, and quietly offer alms. We long for these spiritual actions to not just be who we are during lent, but to become spiritual habits for a lifetime. We ask God to change our hearts and pray that we come to a closer personal relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters through these actions and prayers.

Through his Lenten messages and homilies, Pope Francis has offered guidance on some of the things we can do for Lent: prayer, evangelize, help the poor, open our hearts, and take part in the sacraments. We are also sharing Lenten Journey Challenges on the covers of our church bulletins for the 5 weeks of Lent. May they be spiritual direction and nourishment along the journey that leads us to the new life that God has promised.

We also invite you to our “Soup and Stations” on Friday nights in the Brant Beach Church. At 6:00 PM a free meal of delicious homemade, meatless soup is served with bread and butter and enjoyable company in the Brant Beach Church Hall! At 7:00 PM, we move into the church to pray “The Way of the Cross.” Each of the weeks, we contemplate three of the Stations of the Cross through scripture, hymns and reflection. All are invited. Feel free to bring friends and neighbors!

Station Dates: March 8, 15, 22, 29, and April 5

Ash Wednesday / Lent 2019

Page 4 - March 3, 2019

Adult Faith Formation and RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The theme for this year’s RCIA/Adult Faith Program is “The Call To Holiness…Pope Francis Exhortation”.

Each week that we gather, a topic is presented for all of us to reflect and insight. Our time together is usually an hour or so on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM in the Knight Wing of the Parish Center. It is an experience that invites us to look deeply into our adult faith life and see where God’s call is at this time in our lives. All are invited.

Next class on Tuesday, March 12

at 7:00 PM in Room 212. The topic is entitled

“Dying and Living … Fullness of Life” Presenter: Fr. Scott Brookbank, ofm

SSgt. Stephen Ballinger GySgt. Jason Benedict GySgt. Ryan Benedict Maj. Michael Berk Lt. Col. Maureen Davis-Berk PFC Thomas J. Bonder LCDR Gary Brose, USN Pvt. Matthew Cacace Capt. Andrew Cairns Spc. Nicholas Campoli Sean Michael Campoli, USN Capt. Jeffrey Casler CPT. Robert Cunningham Gen. Martin E. Dempsey PFC Tim Edwards Lt. David Elsenbeck Capt. Michael J. Elsenbeck, MD Airman Patrick Esmerado A1C Matt Fitzpatrick Lt. Cmdr. Bob Gerstemeier PFC Matthew Gurten Sr. Airman John Hall PFC Anthony Hardado Lt. Cpl. Forrest Hendricks Sgt. Matthew Hill Lt. Cameron Hockman Capt. Ryan Hughes Tech Sgt. Bradley Iseminger PO Anthony Juliano Lt. Col. Michael Kloepper Capt. Timothy Koenig Pvt. Emily Jane Konzelmann

Sgt. Amanda A. Kuchta Cpl. Travis Lastfogel SSgt. Stephen Leddy Spc. Jose Paul Lopes 2nd Lt. Christopher Martinelli Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Martins Sgt. Anthony Mauro 1st Lt. John McElvenny 1st Lt. Stephen McNamara Capt. Brendan Murphy Capt. Catherine Murphy Sr. Airman Conor Neil Lt. John S. Ondik Sgt. Kristopher Pickarts Lt. Col. Kyle N. Remick LTC Brett Robistow A1C Christopher Rossi LTJG Michael Rossi, Jr. 2nd Lt. Marc Schwartz Michael Sheremeta E4 FT USN PFC Kyle Stewart Sgt. Robert Taylor Sgt. Dillon Thiel 1st Lt. Shereen Thomas 2nd Lt. Cody Waits Lt. Col. Thomas Walsh Sgt. Alex Werner Sgt. Brandan K. White 1st Lt. Daniel White SSG Reid Wilbraham Lt. Mark Woodard

O Lord, be present with these men and women who serve our country. Comfort their spirits with your divine presence and grant them strength, wisdom and

Family Faith Formation Judith Clayton, Director of FFF (Ext. 153)

Ellen Halvorsen, Elementary Coordinator (Ext. 150)

Marion Pierri, Confirmation Coordinator (Ext. 177) jclayton@stfrancislbi.org (609) 494-8861 ext. 153

St. Francis Center is an EOE/AA Employer

St. Francis Parish & Center is accepting applications/resumes for:

Employment Opportunity

Early Childhood Teacher Assistant (Toddler & Preschool)

40 hour a week fulltime; Monday - Friday Seeking Bi-lingual person who is able to relate

well with children and families. Must have Degree or attending school in early childhood education. Must be 18 or older and willing to obtain First Aid & CPR Certified.

Spanish speaking a plus.

Mini-Bus Driver Senior Services, Berkeley Office

30 hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. $9.50 hour. Must possess a CDL Class B with

Passenger Endorsement.

*All positions are full time with Benefits*

Please send resume to rtonnesen@stfrancislbi.org

“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself.” Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 27

The Family Faith Formation program is looking for volunteers. Our programs are on Sunday mornings, Tuesdays to Thursdays both afternoon and evenings. There are special activities throughout the year where extra hands are needed. We would like to introduce music to the program, so musicians needed. Please contact the office if you feel you may be interested in assisting in any capacity.

Some upcoming important dates: March 14 - Family Path meeting and classes for children. 6:30 to 7:30 PM. March 25 - First Reconciliation May 4 & 5, May 18 & 19 - First Communion May 6 - Confirmation Monthly Meetings:

St. Francis Center unless otherwise noted.

Order of the Franciscans Secular ofs Sunday, March 3 9:30 AM, OFS Information Day, Sr. Lounge; 12:30 PM Fraternity Meeting, Brant Beach Church Hall

Survivors of Suicide Thursday, March 14, 7:30 PM, Room 212

Book Club Tuesday, March 26, 1:00 PM, Room 212 Code Girls by Lisa Mandy

Knights of Columbus Council #3826 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. Reinbold Hall - Barnegat

Page 5 - March 3, 2019

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, March 14 1:00 - 6:00 PM

St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall

Help fight a severe blood shortage. There is a critical need for blood donations. Schedule your appointment today.

Appointments can be made at www.redcrossblood.org (keyword LBI St. Francis) or by calling (609) 494-8861 ext. 118.

RapidPass is available to complete your pre-reading and donation questions online from the comfort and privacy of your home or office. The donor must complete the steps to redeem their pass on the day they donate. Visit: redcrossblood.org/RapidPass.

Amazon Smile You can support St. Francis Community Center by doing your regular shopping with Amazon. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Long Beach Island Community Center, Inc. (St. Francis Community Center) whenever you shop on Amazon Smile. It is the same products and the same great prices! The only thing you need to do differently is log onto Amazon Smile:https://smile.amazon.com/ch/22-2003458 and sign in using your normal Amazon login and password. That’s it! Amazon will automatically make the donation.

Amazon Smile - Fundraiser

SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS

Utility Assistance Day

Do You Need Help Paying Your Utility Bills?

Join us for the following FREE Utility Assistance Days

in your community, featuring the following partners:

Atlantic City Electric NJ SHARES ...And More!

Monday, March 11 1:00 - 6:00 PM

St. Francis Community Center 4700 Long Beach Blvd.

Long Beach Twp.,

For more information: (609) 323-1315

www.njshares.org

Thistle of Kearny returns! Friday, April 12 4:30 to 7:00 PM

$17 adults / $8 child

St. Francis Community Center Gym

Dine In or Take Out Take out dinners begin at 4:30 PM.

Dine in begins at 5:00 PM.

Includes: Fish or Chicken Dinner, Beverage and Dessert

Tickets will be on sale at the Front Desk of the Community Center starting March 11. There will be limited amount of tickets available the day of the event.

There will be a 50/50 drawing.

Proceeds to benefit St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Fish & Chicken Dinner

Family Promise Southern Ocean County

Family Promise of Southern Ocean County is a non-profit, interfaith hospitality network providing temporary shelter, meals, hospitality and case management for families experiencing homelessness. This is done through the participation of local congregations, including our Parish, St. Francis of Assisi for volunteers and Maris Stella Retreat & Conference Center for housing.

We are currently in the process of updating our volunteer list. You may get a call from a coordinator to see if you are still interested in participating in the program.

Please note we will be hosting families at Maris Stella for the week of March 10.

Areas we need assistance are: Meals: Pat Juliano (609-978-2746) Overnights: Connie Higgins (609-361-2158) Hosting 6-8: Chris Nachman (609-494-7385)

A special note of thanks to Carole Infante for her time spent as Program Coordinator. Your time and dedication are greatly appreciated!!!

Pat Juliano Program Coordinator

Page 6 - March 3, 2019

Senior Services For information call ext. 108 or 109.

Struggling with Medicare Part B payments? You or a loved one may qualify for assistance. The Medicare Savings Program can help by providing Medicare Part B savings. CALL SENIOR SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Daily Reassurance Calls Do you know of a senior who is isolated? Senior Services makes daily reassurance calls to seniors who have no one to check on them. Please call the Center and ask for extension 108 to request that we call them.

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Substitute Drivers needed for all routes! Call Sherry today to sign up at (609) 978-6221.

Walking Program Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:00 - 8:45 AM in the Gym.

Ladies’ Exercise Class Tuesday and Thursday, 9:45 - 10:30 AM in the Sr. Lunch Room.

Volunteer Attorney Tuesdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM By appointment only for those who qualify.

Cards: Senior Lounge Call if you have questions or wish to register. Canasta: Monday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Mah Jongg: Tuesday & Friday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Pinochle: Wednesday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM Party Bridge: Thursday, 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:15-3:00 PM

$5 Drop-in or $30 for a book of 10 passes Passes available at the Front Desk

of the Community Center

Recreation & Aquatics For info. please call ext. 105. Visit the Spring Brochure online at www.stfranciscenterlbi.org or pick up a Brochure at the Center lobby.

Pickleball

Tuesday & Thursday 6:00-8:30 PM Startin

g

March 5

in the Gymnasium

Three Month Pool Membership Single only, $160. Flat rate, no discounts.

Yearly Center Membership Adults (ages 18 through 59), $60. Senior Citizens (60 & up), $40.

Yearly Combination (Center & Pool) Membership Single only, $330.

Senior Citizens (60 & up), $305.

Al Anon St. Francis Center Beginners Meeting, Thursday, 7:00-7:30 PM Open Discussion, Thursday, 7:30-8:30 PM Al-Anon is a fellowship of family members and friends of alcohol/drug abusers, who share their experience, strength and hope with one another.

Alcoholics Anonymous SOMC, Sunday, 7:30 PM

Lights Off, Sunday, 9:15-10:15 AM

St. Francis Center, Room 116

St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City Monday through Friday, 12:30 PM Friday (men), 8:00 PM

For Saturday Meetings: Call the AA Hotline (609) 494-5130

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) St. Francis Center Friday, 11:00 AM, Room 105

Weekly Meetings Always open to everyone!

Zumba Style Exercise Instructor: Michelle McKenna Thursdays staring March 7; 5:00 PM

Zumba for the Beginner Instructor: Michelle McKenna Fridays starting March 8; 9:00 AM

Tot & Tyke Basketball Instructor: John Pampalone, Boys Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach - Southern Regional High School March 12 - March 15 Tot: Ages 4 & 5: 5:45 to 6:30 PM Tyke: Ages 6 & 7: 6:45 to 7:30 PM

Creative Writing - Write to Heal, Write to Grow Instructors: Sandy Gingras and Sarah Tantillo Wednesdays; April 10 - May 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

All Level Yoga Instructor: Sue Seiter, 250 RYT Mondays; April 15 - May 20, 5:00 - 6:15 PM

Page 7 - March 3, 2019

Children’s Services For information call ext. 114.

St. Francis Preschool is an accredited program from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC-Accredited programs must meet NAEYC’s 10 standards for high quality early childhood education. For more information about NAEYC standards visit: www.rightchoiceforkids.org.

Year-round Childcare for Children

TODDLER & PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Available Care 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, 5 Days a Week

Full Day, Work Day or Extended Day Toddlers: Ages 13 months to 2 1/2

Preschoolers: Ages 2 1/2 to 5

Journey Through Grief This program is designed to help men and women, of all ages, work through the normal stages of grief with education and group support. The program stresses that grief is a journey, a natural and normal reaction to a significant loss in our lives. Education and support can ease our way on this journey. The group is open to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation. Registration is required. There is NO FEE for this program.

SAVE THE DATE:

VACATION CLUB Orientation and Registration:

Monday, April 8 at 4:30 PM

The Vacation Club runs from June 17 through August 29. Ages 5-13 (must have completed Kindergarten).

For more information contact Katie at (609) 494-8861 ext. 114.

Family Support Services Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Thursday: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

The Food Pantry currently needs:

Shampoo, Soap, Canned Vegetables, Soup, Pasta Sauce, and Coffee

Thank you for your continued generosity. We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Parenting and Anger Management Groups St. Francis Community Center and locations throughout Ocean County. To register, please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 197. Funded by the Department of Human Services.

Auto Ownership Program The Auto Ownership Program at St. Francis Community Center is looking for donated vehicles. Donated vehicles are provided to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients for whom transportation is a major barrier to employment. Cars are donated, repaired, and turned over to clients involved in a work or training activity of the Ocean County TANF program. All donations will receive a letter and 1098c form for tax purposes. Please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 197 if you are interested in donating.

Counseling Services by appointment (609) 494-1554

Educational Services For information call ext. 185.

St. Francis FREE GED & ESL Classes

Spring Registration (Registration includes intake, assessments & orientation) (Registration process takes 3 hours; NO late arrivals accepted)

Daytime GED classes are available. For more information please call (609) 494-8861 ext. 185 or visit our website at: stfranciscenterlbi.org/educational-support.

Classes are provided by the Ocean County Consortium through a grant from the

Department of Labor & Workforce Development. (Classes are subject to change).

ESL Classes

March 18, 6:00 PM

Southern Regional H.S. 600 Main St., Manahawkin

Room 2-1 (Bldg. 9/10)

Toms River H.S. North 1245 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River (Door 37 Near Media Center)

Classes Monday & Wednesday 6:00-9:00 PM

March 18, 9:00 AM March 19, 9:00 AM &

6:00 PM Lakewood Library

301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood Classes Monday & Wednesday-or-

Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM ;

GED Classes

March 18, 6:00 PM

Holy Family Church - Lakewood

1139 E. County Line Rd., Lakewood

Southern Regional H.S. 600 Main St., Manahawkin

Room 7-1 (Bldg. 9/10)

Toms River H.S. North 1245 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River (Door 37 Near Media Center)

Brick Library 301 Chambersbridge Rd., Brick

Classes Monday & Wednesday 6:00-9:00 PM

Parenting AFTER Join this FREE confidential group with other parents managing the world after your child has been sexually abused. Gain support, develop emotional coping skills and learn ways to understand and manage the post-trauma behaviors and emotions of your child.

Group will run for six weeks every Monday from 7:00-8:00 PM and will be held in Toms River, NJ. For information please call Nina Vitale, LPC at St. Francis Counseling Service (609) 494-1554 Please note: Group size is limited and registration is required.

Page 8 - March 3, 2019

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

FREE Income Tax Preparation Sponsored by AARP/IRS

Now through April 16

Monday & Thursday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Walk In St. Mary’s of the Pines Parish Center, 100 Bishops Lane, (off McKinley Blvd.) Manahawkin

Tuesday, 1:00 - 5:00 PM, Walk In Village Lutheran Church, 701 Western Blvd., Lanoka Harbor.

Wednesday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Walk In St. Theresa’s Church Faith Formation Center, 450 Radio Road, Little Egg Harbor

Wednesday, 1:00 - 5:00 PM, Appointments only. Call (609) 978-7554, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Perry’s Lake Club House, 4 Princeton Ave., Manahawkin

What to bring with you: Last year’s Federal & NJ Tax Return; Social Security Cards & Photo ID/Driver’s License; All W-2 Wage Statements; All 1099-R Pension & Annuity Statements; All 1099-R Interest, Dividend, Stock Statements; SSA 1099, Social Security Statements; Health Insurance Proof/1095 A, B, or C; Medical Expenses; Property Tax Statements. Must bring check to verify information for direct deposit or refund or debit payment. PTR Booklet and Primary Residence R/E Tax Bill (the Blue Book).

March 2019 - Irish Heritage Month Sunday, March 10, 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Father Duffy Division, Ocean County, NJ St. Mary of the Pines Parish Center, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin

Short review of the origins and evolution of AOH in America Introduction to AOH Father Duffy Division Activities in OC

Soft drinks and desserts will be served. FREE Admission - Registration is required - Limited to 100

Call (609) 698-7592 or (609) 978-0635 with your name and number of guests

Donations Gratefully Accepted

Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish * Catholic * American

St. Francis Travel

Home Town Travel 128 Bartlett Ave., Bartlett Commons, Rt. 9 South, West Creek, NJ 08092 Call Nancy at Home Town Travel (609) 597-5100 Email: hometowntravel@comcast.net

Sightseeing Trips & Cruises

September 5-11, 2019 Canadian Rockies, $2275, 7 days

Experience to venture into the Land of the Grizzlies and Glistening Glaciers as you explore the scenic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, Icefields and Alpine Villages. Highlights include: Calgary, Jasper, Jasper National Park, Columbia Icefield, Banff, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, an also a Trafalgar Exclusive ‘Connect with Locals’ that includes a Canadian ranch-style dinner experience; ride on an ice explorer, lace up for the ice hockey experience and meet a Canadian Mountie! An effortless way to experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies with memories for a lifetime!

November 5-15, 2019 Taste and Sounds of the South, $3195, 10 days

Experience a little Honky-Tonk, Southern Home Cookin’ celebrating the legends of music from Hoedown to Rock ‘n’ Roll on this leisure jaunt in the deep South! Don’t miss out on this trip as it also includes attending the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, a true local favorite! Highlights include: Nashville, Memphis, Natchez, New Orleans, Graceland, Frogmore Plantation, Sun Studios, Country Music Hall of Fame to name a few; Trafalgar Exclusive as you Connect with Locals and dine with a pianist of true southern hospitality and food on an estate in Natchez, Delve into the life and tunes of Johnny Cash with a member of his family, New Orleans School of Cooking for a fun cooking demonstration of a regional favorite and help preserve the heritage of a Cotton Plantation! This exciting foot stomping adventure through the deep South will be sure to deliver pleasure for all the senses!

The above packages are land only as air is only available ten months prior.

September 2020 Oberammergau Passion Play

A few seats are available on the September 12th trip. All deposits are needed to insure your participation.

Please call Nancy at Home Town Travel for more information.

September 22-30, 2020 Switzerland and Germany with Oberammergau

$5,499.00 per person double, includes round trip air from Newark, current air fees and taxes, hotel transfers. Highlights include the Oberammergau Passion Play, Weis Church, Neuschwanstein Castle, Black Forest, Chateau de Chillon, Zermatt, Matterhorn Museum, Grimsel Pass and Lucerne. Spend two nights in the Oberammergau area, one night in Titisee, two nights in Zermatt and two nights in Lucrene. Included is seven breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners. Fly into Munich and return from Zurich. Insurance is optional at $500 per person and must be paid with deposit. Singles are limited and currently available at a surcharge of $2,000. A deposit of $750 per person is required to book along with a second deposit of $1,500 due one year prior. Reservations after April 15, 2019 are subject to availability.

May 2-9, 2020 Celebrity Summit Repositioning Cruise

Fly to San Juan and cruise back to Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ. Visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten and St. Kitts; spending a full day in each port. This special LIMITED TIME OFFER must be deposited by March 4, 2019. Our spectacular rate of $1,499 per person (based on double occupancy) includes a one way flight to San Juan, transfers to the ship, balcony accommodations, all meals (except specialty restaurants), all current port and government taxes, a $300 per cabin on board credit and your choice of an unlimited beverage package or prepaid gratuities. Insurance is available at $99 per person. Local transfers will be available at an additional charge. Once confirmed, final payment will be due January 15, 2020.

Donovan Catholic High School 711 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753

Donovan Catholic National Honor Society invites you to “NEW YORK, NEW YORK” The 2019 Senior Citizen Prom

Sunday, March 31, 1:00 - 4:00 PM in the Donovan Catholic HS Café DJ, Dancing, door prizes, raffles, food

$7.00 per ticket, 8-seats at a table for $50. Get your tickets now. Call (732) 349-8801 ext. 2403

Soroptimist Clothes Closet

Free business and everyday attire for women in need. With a voucher you can choose from: work attire, jackets & coats, everyday clothing, shoes & accessories! Vouchers available at Food Banks, Churches, & Stafford Community Center.

Stafford Community Center, 25 Pine St., Manahawkin, NJ (609) 276-3308

Open on: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 PM