Tap. Tap. Tap.

We packed the room at July's TOT.
So, let's do it again!

"Googling God: Connecting with the Divine in A Busy World"
Thus Jan 8th @ 7PM
The Cloverleaf Tavern, Caldwell NJ

We're partnering with the Archdiocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and our friends from Sacred Heart, Bloomfield, to host Theology on Tap this month.

Our friend Mike Hayes -- managing editor of BustedHalo.com and author of Googling God: The Religious Landscape of People in Their 20s and 30s will kick off the 3-part series. Mike's a married, 38-year old, who combines his professional broadcast & communications expertise with ministry. Mike reaches out to young adults as Assistant Director of Paulist Young Adult Ministries via web properties and podcasts. Some of you know him as a dynamic retreat director, insightful spiritual director and the father of blogging chihuahua Haze the Dog.

Join us at 7PM for networking over a light supper and soft drinks-- for $10. Of course, the great beer and drink menu of The Cloverleaf Tavern will be available to those 21+ (pay your own way). We'll wrap it up around 9PM.

TOT will be happening all month in Northern NJ. Essex County nights also include:
Sun Jan 18th: Fr. Bill Halbing on "Love is Patient, Love is Kind...The Love Letters of Paul"
Sun Jan 25th: Fr. Tom Wisniewski gets radical with "No Rules! Lessons from the Conversion of Paul."

Click here for more on TOT and Young Adult Month in the Archdiocese of Newark!

He's back...!

Stop by Notre Dame and welcome back Fr. Anthony Randazzo!
But, you can take your time.
Fr. Anthony will be around for awhile.
Check out Fr. Anthony's new gig.

OMG- Praying the O Antiphons

The last seven days of Advent are traditionally marked by chanting/praying The O Antiphons. The Antiphons recall both seven names for the Messiah as well as seven prophecies by Isaiah about the Messiah. Traditionally, the Antiphons are prayed as part of the Church's evening prayer (Vespers) at sunset.

Today, we meditate on "O Wisdom"

O Wisdom who proceeds form the mouth of the Most High,
reaching out mightily from end to end,
and sweetly arrange all things:
Come to teach us the way of prudence.

“The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (Is 11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (Is 28:29).

What wisdom might you seek in Christ?

Take a few moments (1:38 minutes to be exact) to listen to this chant:

Bienvenido!

This coming Sunday, Most Reverend Manuel Cruz, Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark will preside at a Spanish language Mass in our Cluster. Bishop Cruz was appointed in June and his ordination as Bishop took place in early September.

Mass begins at 1:15 PM at St. Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell.

Bishop Cruz is 54 years old and was born in Cuba. Although Bishop Cruz's ministerial background includes experience in parish work, he is best known for his work in hospital chaplaincy and in helping to educate health care providers on spirituality, healing and end of life issues. His own story is fascinating; see how Rocco Palmo frames it on Whispers in the Loggia.

Bishop Cruz, who will be Episcopal Vicar of Union County, indicates he does not have any special projects -- just to get out and know the people of Union County and to serve them.

In our Church, Bishops are the leading catechists; we hope that Bishop Cruz will have much to teach us about the gift of freedom, the gift of healing and, the gift of welcome.

Come by on Sunday. Bring a friend. Pass this on to others -- especially those who will enjoy the experience of celebrating Mass in Spanish.

Beyond 9 to 5

Lots of great stuff happening to support your careers and to give yourself a break!

Happy Hour in Mo'town11/6
Our friends from Morris Catholic Young Adults invite you to Happy Hour at Tashmoo in
Morristown, Thursday evening. info@morriscatholicya.org

Ticket Bargains at NJArtsTix.org
Check out last minute bargains for performances all around NJ!

Take a Hike 11/8
Saturday morning at 10:30 AM. Bring your water and lunch.
Please go to MCYA calendar for the details.

Spirituality and Healthcare Conference 11/8
Conference for those interested in the ethical issues and the spiritual side of healthcare. Continuing education credits offered. College of St Elizabeth-- Morristown.

Catholic Worker Movement Lecture: 11/8
Fordham presents an afternoon program on Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement.

FOP at Don Bosco Center South Orange 11/8
Festival of Praise! Then, meet new folks!

Spirituality at Work? Soul of a Leader: 11/11
Author, consultant and motivational speaker Margaret Benefiel will sign books and speak on "The Soul of a Leader" at the Alumni Theater, Caldwell College. Reception at 6PM; Lecture follows at 7PM.

Historic.

It has been an historic 24-hours...record number of voters and new voters.
Crowds taking to the street. A dream fulfilled. A transformational, transcendent moment.

Our President-elect also reminds us that the times ahead will not be easy -- but that it is our work.




So whether you were "red" or "blue"-- we are reminded that together we can make "purple."

And maybe that is the color of change.

President-Elect Obama ended his remarks by asking for God's blessing on us and on America.

Deacon Greg, author of The Deacon's Bench , offered a thought for today, Wednesday, "What would your prayer be for Barack Obama today?"

So?

Single? Over 35?

Our parish cluster defines young adult ministry for those aged 18-35. Most young adult ministries define themselves for those in their '20s and '30s -- and we don't have big age barriers for those who are 35ish. It is not surprising that this ministry receives inquiries from older Catholic singles.

So, I am posting some information for those over the age of 35ish - please pass on to your friends!

There are two new Catholic singles groups in Northern NJ: One is at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River and the other is at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oakland.

October 24th, 8-11 PM Reception
Church of the Presentation, Upper Saddle River
Wine, Cheese and Beer Reception; Music by Steve Lafiosca. $10/at the door. This group is for Singles over 40.
More info: socialsuzy@yahoo.com

Not In Limbo Singles is the group out of OLPH in Oakland. The group meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Knights of Columbus Hall and is for singles over the age of 35. Contact Pastoral Associate Phil Brady for information. October 22nd is the next gathering and will feature motivational speaker Janet Pfeiffer on "Profound Awareness." Attendees will discover the four key principles of "intentional living."

Don't forget that Immaculate Conception Single Adults in Montclair gathers its members for social and service outings throughout the year. To receive their email directly, send a note to icsa2006nj@netscape.net.