St. Michael Church, Cranford, New Jersey

Free Ministry to Traveling Catholics for nationwide Mass times and locations: www.Masstimes.org

PARKING … Prohibited Areas:
Cleveland Plaza is private business property. The parking areas are for the purpose of their tenants and clients. The management has contacted us about people parking there to attend Mass, parish activities or meetings during business hours. Such is inconveniencing their tenants and clients. They request we inform you not to park there. Please use public parking areas to avoid your vehicle being towed.
Other Areas... Also, during school days, local ordinances prohibit parking in front and on the side of the school. This is for the safety of our school children. Another prohibited area is in front of the Church / Rectory. All areas are posted.

REPORTING OF ABUSE … The Archdiocese takes very seriously any and all allegations of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy, religious and lay staff of the Archdiocese. We encourage anyone with knowledge of an act of sexual misconduct to inform us immediately so that we may take appropriate action to protect others and provide support to victims of sexual abuse. Individuals who wish to report an allegation of sexual misconduct may do so by calling the Archdiocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection at 201-407-3256.

A NEW BOOK BY BISHOP ARIAS about Catholicism in the US, entitled The First Catholics of the United States (at $15.78) may be purchased online at www.amazon.com. (click search & type the title).

“CHOOSE LIFE” LICENSE PLATE AVAILABLE - and is now approved in NJ and supported by the bishops of NJ and the NJ Catholic Conference. Annual donation of $25 per plate supports all of NJ’s Pregnancy Centers and Maternity Homes helping women “choose life.” Contact Damon Owens at 1-888-NJChoose-Life (1-888-652-4667) or go online www.NJChoose-Life.org to request an application for the plate.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - to visit immigrant detainees. First Friends is a charity providing compassionate service in the form of pen pals, stationery, phone cards, etc. The group provides service at two New Jersey county jails and the Elizabeth Detention Center. More information: firstfriends@juno.com or 908-9965-0455.

FURNITURE NEEDED by St. Joseph Social Service Ctr., Elizabeth, including beds, living room furniture, refrigerators, etc. The recipients of the furniture will pick up. Please call Sister Ruthe Morgan (908-337-4070). Tax receipt will be available for any donations.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED -- for Mobile Meals of Cranford to deliver meals to homebound clients in Cranford and Garwood one or two mornings per month. Contact Kathy Tessitore at 908-276-2464 or pksjersey@verizon.net.

EMPLOYMENT info: Job Corps: 800-733-5627, Ages 16-24 yrs., free training with pay.

FIRST FRIDAY Eucharistic Adoration ….St Michael’s Church, Alden Street, Cranford…will take place this Friday, February 3, 2012, after Noon Mass. There will be time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, closing with Benediction. Contact: 908-276-0360.

ANNUAL AUCTION - To benefit Raphael’s Life House and St. Michael School, Saturday, February 4, 2012 : Doors open 6:30 p.m. -Tickets $25 in advance - $30 at the door To donate an item, purchase a ticket or to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets (winner need not be present), call Edie Coogan (908-276-8226), Christine Lynskey (908-956-2038), or Dottie Suske (908-276-7258).

MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP …. St Michael’s Parish, Cranford…has been meeting faithfully year-round for over 20 years (this month - Saturday, February 4 - 8:30 to 10 a.m. – in the school cafeteria.) ALL men of ALL ages are invited. For more information visit: www.stmikesmensbreakfast.webs.com.

“IRISH HOUSE PARTY” Coming to St. Michael’s… On Sunday, February 5, concluding their first U.S. tour, the five performers of Dublin’s celebrated “Irish House Party” will be at St. Michael’s to present their delightful entertainment, blending traditional Irish music, dance and story. The performance is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s School Auditorium -- you’ll be home in plenty of time for the Super Bowl kickoff! Admission is $20 and includes refreshments. Proceeds will benefit the Religious Education programs of St. Michael’s Parish. To reserve tickets, call the Parish Office 908-276-0360.

PLEASE NOTE: The proposed pilgrimage to the Holy Land (April 30-May 9) led by Fr. Ed Jocson and Pastor Ed Hann, of Cranford United Methodist Church, had to be indefinitely postponed. Thank you to those of you who did express an interest.

OFFERINGS AT XAVIER CENTER, Convent Station:
- Mondays for Men - the third Monday of each month - 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. -- Dinner, a reflection by a quality speaker and time for discussion and prayer. Begins at 6:30 and ends at 9 p.m. Cost $20.

- Tai Chi Classes: Tue. 6:30, Thur. 5:30, one-on-one by appt. Qi Gong: Tue. 5:30, Thur. 8:30 one-on-one by appt. Yoga: Tue. 7:30, Thur. 7:30

For more ‘Offerings’ and information call: 973-290-5100

DIVORCED / SEPARATED SUPPORT GROUP meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Spirit Church, Drexel Hall, 984 Suburban Rd., Union. Meetings are attended by people who have been through the experience and want to help deal with the pain of the past. Call John (908-964-1683), Marie (908-9073) or the Rectory (908-687-3327).

RADIO MARIA now broadcasts in English in Newark. One of the largest networks of Catholic programming, it is now available in the NY metropolitan area Monday thru Thursday (10 pm - ‘til Midnight) and Monday thru Friday (12 a.m. ’til 6 a.m.) on WSNR Radio 621 AM. Prayers, readings and Catholic teachings are also available on www.radiomaria.org.

CHRISTIAN FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY… is a program that provides the knowledge and tools necessary to share your faith through the various ministries of your parish. CFM consists of nine eight-week courses over 3 years. The cost is minimal. More info: contact Fr. Mitch Walters, at 973-497-4350 or waltermi@rcan.org.

IMANI, IMANI (the Swahili word for Faith), a newsletter which will include articles of interest around the Archdiocese, is being introduced by the Office of African American, African & Caribbean Apostolate. It can be seen online at www.rcan.org click on Ministries and Offices, then on African American, African & Caribean Apostolate.

PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL is ongoing at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Mountainside. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed 24 / 7. If you are interested in spending an hour in quiet prayer or meditation, please don’t hesitate to volunteer an hour a week. More information or to volunteer call Irene Ciccarino at 732-574-0064.

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE ... for those who need help with rent, mortgage, security deposits, utilities, food gift certificates, and deliverable fuels including oil, kerosene, propane, coal and wood. For eligibility requirements, call Ms. Gloria Wierzalis, Program Mgr., Union County Parish Access Center(PAC), Catholic Charities, at 908-497-3966. Also available is help from PAC to middle-income families for utility assistance from New Jersey Shares.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – Do you have a relative who is serving in the military overseas? Cranford Knights of Columbus Council #6226 will send them care packages. Please contact Mark at 908-276-4738 or Mdingel@verizon.net for more information.

NEW JERSEY'S FIRST CATHOLIC DEAF CHURCH ... ST. JOHN'S DEAF CATHOLIC COMMUNITY, 22 Mulberry St., Newark (parking lot entrance on Rte. 21 [McCarter Hwy.] between Raymond Blvd. and NJ Performing Arts Center) will celebrate SIGNED MASS, Social and Bible Study, every Sunday 1-3 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME! Note: although services are in ASL only - low-voice interpreting is available for hearing family members or interpreting students who may not be fully fluent. More info: Deacon Thomas M. Smith, CSW TTY: 973-497-4311 or Voice: 973-497-4312 or smiththo@rcan.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES are available at Cranford Health Care facility for caring individuals to offer some time with residents. Cranford is a 200-bed facility with long and short-term care services. A variety of activities are conducted where volunteers may be helpful, such as Bingo assistant, arts & crafts, one-to-one visits, letter writing, book reader, pet therapy, etc. Info: Activities Dept. 908-272-6660 x28.

PAINLESS ASSISTANCE .... If you are wondering what to do with those old books you have taking up space, consider sending them to: Father Ed Morley, OCSO, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, #2625 Hwy. 212 S.W., Conyers, GA 30094-4044. Books will be read by older, incapacitated (bedridden) monks who rely on reading material to get through the day.

IGNATIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS … provides men and women, Age 50 and over, the opportunity to serve the needs of people who are economically poor, to work for a more just society, and to grow deeper in Catholic Christian faith by reflecting in the Ignatian tradition once a month. More info: Liz McMahon, at 201-618-6924 or www.ivcusa.org or e-mail emcmahon@ivcusa.org.

VOLUNTEER NEEDED by Catholic Charities Adult Restorative Justice Program (one day per week) to assist with special projects at 505 South Ave. East, Cranford. Contact Catherine L’Insalata at 973-266-7978 or e-mail at Cl’insalata@ccannj.org.

New Jersey FamilyCare offers Free/Low Cost Health Insurance coverage for uninsured children 18 and younger and low-income parents. For information call Catholic Charities Healthy Children, Healthy Families Outreach Program (973-266-7947), or New Jersey FamilyCare Advantage: 1-800-791-0710, or www.njfamilycare.org.

HISTORIC RESOURCE BOOK (for township religious communities) is available through the Cranford Historical Society ($15). "Faith and Community: A History of Local Belief" may be purchased by calling 908-276-0082 or e-mail cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.com.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH (No. & Forest Aves.) has opened Canterbury Lane Thrift Shop featuring good quality merchandise at fair prices. Call for hours: 908-276-4047.

FURNITURE ASSIST is a local non-profit agency that works with more than 60 social service organizations and churches in the area which refer people in need. They will take items such as beds, couches, chairs, tables, small appliances, area rugs, clothing, medical items, etc. which may be dropped off at the self-storage facility they use for warehousing items: Self-Storage Depot, 404 North 14th St., Kenilworth. Drop-off is accepted on Sundays 11 a.m.-to 3 p.m. You can e-mail at furnitureassist@westfieldpc.org.

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT & PARENTING HINTS … To improve the quality of marriage and parenting. Suggestions available weekly by logging onto: www.susanvogt.net

RESPITE CARE SERVICES are provided by Engel Senior Day Care Ctr., 505 South Ave., East, Cranford, for Union County residents Age 60+. More info. call Gloria Wierzalis at 908-497-3945.

NEEDED … are loving, nurturing homes for children who are in the NJ Foster Care System. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen Therapeutic Foster Care Program, is seeking warm, supportive individuals and families to serve as Resource families to children in need, many of whom are innocent victims of abuse/neglect. Call: 1-866-247-HOME (4663) for more information.

RELIGIOUS ALLIANCE AGAINST PORNOGRAPHY (RAAP) .... is an interfaith group formed more than 20 years ago to help families deal with the increasing threat of pornography. Its most recent project is a booklet entitled "Sex and Cell Phones: Protect Your Children," which provides parents with information. This booklet and other resources are available from RAAP for download on the organization's website www.icarecoalition.org.

MONTHLY FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP ...meets the 3rd Monday of each month 10:30-12 Noon, 14 Commerce Drive, Suite 301, Cranford. This group is for adults and family members whose lives have been touched by a blood cancer diagnosis — leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins, multiple myeloma & myeloproliferative disorders. Another group has been formed, a Bereavement Support Group, which meets weekly on Mondays 7-8:30 pm at The Ambulatory Ctr., St. Barnabas, Livingston. For info on both: Deborah Halpern 908-956-6607 or Deborah.Halpern@lls.org or www.lls.org/nnj.

DAYS OF PRAYER & HEALING - for women & men suffering from the effects of abortion.
- For women: info or to register 866-575-0075 or email postabortion@sistersoflife.org or www.sistersoflife.org/ec.htm
- For men: call 877-586-4621 or email Lumina@postabortionhelp.org.

HOLY HOUR FOR LIFE…
- St. John the Apostle Church, Linden - 3rd Monday of every month, beginning with 7:00 p.m. Mass.
- Our Lady of Sorrows Church, South Orange - 1st Wednesday of every month

- Holy Spirit Church, Suburban Rd., Union - 1st Wednesday of every month 7:30 p.m.

ROSARY for Life - EVERY SATURDAY- 9:15-10:15 a.m. the Rosary is said in front of 700 Broad St., Elizabeth. Info: John or MaryEllen Mulholland 908-322-2314.

MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER - A Eucharistic Hour of Prayer, a communal experience of Eucharistic devotion, which includes Vespers and quiet time for Centering Prayer, is held on Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 p.m. Please call 908-753-2091 or e-mail msmhope@att.net.

HOPE ON WHEELS - Do you know someone who has been deprived of his/her ability to walk due to illness or disease? If so, Hope on Wheels can help your loved ones regain their confidence and their independence with a power wheelchair or scooter. Hope on Wheels helps Seniors who suffer from respiratory disorders, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, have a mobility limitation and difficulty in propelling a standard wheelchair, to receive a power chair or scooter paid primarily by Medicare. For eligibility info. call 1-866-631-3028.

CAREGIVER'S SUPPORT GROUP….for those caring for elderly or chronically ill loved ones meets on the first non-holiday Monday of each month at 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Center of St. Helen's Church, Westfield. These are information and sharing sessions. Further info: Marilyn Ryan 908-233-8757.

"GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU." (Luke 6:38) The Archdiocesan Gift Annuity Program gives you a way to provide for your own and/or your loved one's financial future with dependable guaranteed lifetime payments. For more information, please contact John McKenna at the Planned Giving Office (973-497-4125).