4th Sunday of Easter
I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
My most boring job was working at an insurance company as a college student. My main task? Filing. Now imagine if I had told my supervisor, “I just want you to know, I’m willing to die for these files.” She would have called a psychiatrist — or at least security. There is something absurd in Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “I am the good shepherd… I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) It sounds noble, until you think about it. No one dies for sheep. Not a hired hand. Not even a good shepherd. Sheep are important, sure, but not worth a human life. And yet, Jesus insists: I will die for them. The crowd understandably responds: “He is out of his mind.” C.S. Lewis once said that Jesus does not leave us the option of calling Him merely a good teacher. If someone speaks like Him, he is either lying, crazy, or telling the truth. John’s Gospel won’t let us stay sentimental. Jesus means it. He reveals a love that surpasses logic — a love that measures worth not by strength or success, but by the willingness to suffer unto death. The Good Shepherd’s madness is mercy. His cross makes no earthly sense and yet it makes divine sense. He lays down His life not for kings or saints but for sheep — for the ordinary, the unworthy, for you and me. Think of someone who may feel unworthy of love. Do something simple and generous for them, not because they deserve it, but because Jesus did the same for you. – Father John Muir
When I first read Homer’s Odyssey as a teenager, one scene captured my imagination: Odysseus finally returning home after 20 years, yet no one recognized him. Disguised as a beggar, he speaks with his wife, his son, and even his enemies. He is fully present, yet hidden. Only at the right moment does he reveal himself, and everyone realizes he has been with them all along. I was struck by the mystery that he could be so close to his loved ones, and yet they simply could not identify him. A similar mystery is at the heart of today’s Gospel. Two disciples walk the road to Emmaus with Jesus, but “their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.” (Luke 24:16) He listens, teaches, and eats with them, yet they remain blind until He breaks the bread. Suddenly their eyes are opened — and at that very moment, He vanishes. His disappearance is not absence. Rather, it is revelation. The Risen Lord is now present in a new way, in the breaking of the bread and in the life of His Church. Faith is this shift of vision. Instead of searching for a visible Jesus as if He were absent, we learn to recognize Him unveiled in hidden ways — in Scripture proclaimed, in the Eucharist, in the sacraments, in the very life of the Church. And what is true of Him is true of us. Just as He disappears into the mission of His Body, we too are meant to be hidden in Him. When we live hidden in Christ, we are seen for who we really are. – Father John Muir
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Since today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations, I thought I would share my vocation story with you again.
My vocation story is long but I will give you the short version of it. I was born (literally since I was born at home) and grew up in Jackson, N.J. back when Route 9 was one lane in each direction, no barrier and no jug handles. I attended St. Veronica’s grammar school in Howell, N.J. I was taught by nuns, and I served as an altar boy (no girls back then so that was the title) which both influenced me very much. When I served at mass, I would arrive early and put on the cassock but not the surplice thus I looked like a mini priest, which is what I was picturing myself as being just that a mini priest. I felt called to the priesthood at the age of eight. I was even voted by my class as Most Likely to Become a Priest. Back in those days the U.S. still had high school seminaries and I visited one for a weekend and took the entrance exam. I am glad to say I passed with flying colors and was accepted. I was due to enter the school in September; in August it burned to the ground and was not going to be rebuilt. I, being fourteen at the time, took it as a sign from God that He did not want me as a priest. So instead of applying to another seminary, I entered Jackson Memorial High School. After high school I attended Franklin Pierce College (now University) in N.H. where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History. I returned to N.J. and was hired as an insurance claims adjuster. I bought a condo in Jackson at the age of 25. After living there for four years, I decided it was time to move away from my childhood township and sold the condo and bought a single-family home in Cranford, N.J. There I attended St. Michael’s parish. One weekend at mass a visiting priest introduced himself as Fr. Kelly and he was the vocation director for the Archdioceses of Newark and he proceeded with a vocations pitch. I proceeded to daydream for in my mind I knew I never really lost the call to be a priest but I was now 32 years old which I thought was too old to enter seminary. Just as I had that thought, Fr. Kelly states “don’t think you are too old for we have a program for guys entering at your age”, it was as if he was talking right to me! Which today I know he was without knowing it for it was God talking right to me through him! I realized it and contacted him that very afternoon, met with him a week later and entered the seminary the next fall at the age of 33, the age our Lord Jesus Christ was when He died on the cross and rose to new life. I died to my old life and started my new life! Amen!!
If you are a single man, no matter your age, ask yourself if God is calling you to this life, for trust me if He is and you answer with a yes, you will never be sorry.
God Bless you and have a wonderful week, Fr. Michael
SCRIPTURAL REFLECTIONS ON STEWARDSHIP
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ…’’”
The word “repent” means to turn from sin – to change our thoughts, words and actions. Change that is permanent comes from within – a transformation or conversion of heart. This requires prayer, discipline and perseverance. Change is hard. The first step is recognizing that we are broken and that we need God’s help. The good news – we are not alone in our journey. Ask Jesus daily for guidance and patiently listen for His response.
Everyday Stewardship
The road to Emmaus is one of my favorite Gospel stories because it shows a Jesus that is masterful at reaching people. First, when He comes upon those walking on the road, He asks them what they are talking about and then asks them to explain. How often are we too eager to just start talking at people when we feel they need to hear what we have to say? Jesus offers an invitation for them to share first. Allowing them to share first opens them up for what Jesus will do next. Second, Jesus takes time to interpret for them the words of the prophets. He gave them their turn and now it is His. Not only wise, but a movement of respect. After a long walk, they invite Jesus to stay with them and dine. Third and finally, Jesus breaks bread with them and they are able to see that He is no ordinary traveler. He is the risen One. He could have just told them who He was, but allowing them by their experience to uncover who He was had the greater impact. Jesus demonstrated to us in these actions how to be gracious and impactful when sharing the good news. If we are to be good stewards and fruitful disciples then we must imitate Him in this regard. This Easter season let us practice the following: 1) Allow others first to share what they have to say. 2) Then be willing to take the time to explain fully or to the best of our ability our faith. And 3) help others find a way to experience firsthand the message you have shared. No one can understand love without witnessing love. In this way, your words and deeds will become a pathway to Jesus for others. -Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
2026 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
We have $10,665.00 pledged toward our Archdiocesan directed goal this year of $13,746. The Archdiocese has sent out letters to past donors announcing the 2026 Appeal. If you wish to participate you can either mail your pledge directly to the Archdiocese or you can put it in our collection and we will forward it for you. If you do decide to mail it in directly, we are asking that you let Sue know in the office so we can be sure our account is properly credited. You can drop a note in the collection, call the rectory, or send us an email. Thank you.
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY MASS
The Archdiocese is preparing for the annual tradition of honoring couples who will be celebrating their 5th, 25th, 50th, or 60+ wedding anniversary in 2026. The presence of these couples and their families is a beautiful witness to the strength and stability of Catholic marriage. Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Tobin on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. All family members are welcome! Please call the rectory if you are interested in attending this mass as pre-registration is required.
SEND A SEM A SENTIMENT
On the bulletin board in the vestibule is a list of seminarians. The Archdiocese is encouraging the faithful to send cards, letters, and well wishes to the seminarians. Take a picture of the list with your phone and send one (or more) of them a little uplifting message. Thank You!
PRAYER REQUESTS
That God will relieve their suffering and restore them to health.
Please pray for: Please pray for: Kellie Salata,, Kelly Chinchar, Jessica, Daniel Breslin, Stanley, Joseph Marrone, Anthony, Michael, Joseph, Jessica Esopo, Steve, Audra, Bernadette, James Weiss, Baby Ford, Rosemary Malangone, Elizabeth Malangone, Sue West, Danny, Colleen Emery, Richard, Joan Russo, Christina Martin, Mornia Evans, Valerie Valverde, Diana McGuckin, Manny Scarangella, Cheryl Prinjinski, Stephen West, Bryan Westfall, Cathy Bruno.
Holy Name Medical Center is looking for Eucharistic Ministers, volunteers, who are willing to help out in giving out Holy Communion to their patients. If you are interested, you can email them at pokafor@holyname.org or call their office at 201-833-3243 or stop by their Pastoral Care Office, behind the chapel, lobby/ground floor at Holy Name Medical Center.
To ALL Our New and Existing Volunteers Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Catechists
To ALL Our New and Existing Volunteers Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and CatechistsWe would like to thank the Perpepaj Family for reupholstering the chairs on the altar as a gift for our parish. We truly appreciate their generosity. The Perpepaj Family owns D&D Upholstery & Window Treatments in Hackensack.
The gift of Bread & Wine for the first two weeks of March has been given in memory of Frank Pizza by the Pizza Family.
The Sanctuary Lamp for the month of March has been given in memory of Josephine & Anthony DeGrosa by Joann DeGrosa.
Please consider sponsoring our Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, and the oil for the Sanctuary Lamp.
Opportunities for Parish Support
There are several ways you can help support our parish and honor loved ones at the same time. As you may have noticed on the first Sunday of every month in our bulletin, we thank the donors of our Altar Gifts. You can donate the Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, or the Sanctuary Lamp in a two-week block for $50 in someone’s memory. We have blocks open for this year. We also need to purchase a new Easter candle each year (the tall candle on the altar) for $300-$400 which can also be donated in someone’s memory. You do not have to fund the entire amount, anything you wish to donate towards the purchase of our Easter candle is appreciated. We also have masses available for your intentions. If you wish to honor someone in any of these ways, please call the rectory.
Prayer for our Nation
God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people. Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will. Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death.” Lead us into a new millennium of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Praying the ROSARY
The Rosary is a meditation, a time to recall and think about the life of Jesus as seen and experienced by Mary. As the model of faith, Mary’s life sets a pattern that we strive to follow: saying ‘yes’ to God’s will in our lives and sharing His love and message with others. The Mysteries of the Rosary form a mini lesson of faith, using the highlights and significant moments of the life of Jesus. Like paging through a family scrapbook, we see in brief the events of salvation history that are the core of our belief and the hope of our eternal life.
WE NEED BULLETIN ADVERTISERS!!
We would like to thank all the advertisers who have supported us throughout the past year. Our parish benefits greatly from the ads you see in the bulletin. The revenue pays for the printing which is an important means of communication for the parish. If we do not have enough advertisers, the cost of our bulletin goes up. We thank the local businesses that advertise with us especially in these tough economic times. We have some spaces on the back of our bulletin that need filling so if you would like to advertise your business as well as benefit your church, please contact John Patrick Publishing at 1-800-333-3166.
Please support our advertisers at the back cover of bulletin.
