“You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 The third week of advent begins with “Gaudete Sunday” and the lighting of the rose colored candle. Gaudete means “rejoice” or “joyful” in Latin. We prepare this week by feeling the joy. We move through this week feeling a part of the waiting world that rejoices because our longing has prepared us to believe the reign of God is close at hand.
Being the sibling of someone with a profound disability often asks much of the sibling. Though they feel great love for their brother or sister, much is also expected. Supportive Initiatives for Brothers & Sisters will be meeting on January 6, 2016
"The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth -- the very thing the whole story has been about." -- C.S. Lewis SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: HOPE We light a second purple candle on the second Sunday of Advent to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world. The word "hope" has two meanings in the Bible. The first contains the sense of eager anticipation or waiting. The second depicts a sense of confident expectation based on certainty. Biblical hope is secured by God's faithfulness to His promises. For the Old Testament leaders, their hope was in the Messiah's arrival. For us, it is the hope of the Messiah's return.
The New Jersey Association of Community Providers (NJACP) selected Lynne Rockstroh as the recipient of the distinguished 2015 Leadership Award. At a recent dinner of statewide providers of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Lynne was recognized for her years of service to the DPD and to the most vulnerable among us.
“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open the doors of hope.” This week begins a New Year on the liturgical calendar in Christian Churches. It is therefore fitting that we begin with a period of joyful waiting and expectation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The color purple is dominant during this 4 week period of advent. Purple is the color associated with royalty, demonstrating the anticipation and reception of the coming King celebrated during Advent. The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
THE LAST WEEK OF THE LITURGICAL YEAR Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. PSALM 100
Staff, friends, family, and volunteers will be gathering for the annual Christmas Party at Saint Thomas Church in Oak Ridge. There's still time to get tickets. Don't miss the fun!
Frank Amantea has been named the Employee of the Month for October 2015. This recognition of excellence took place at the Gruenert Center in Lake Hopatcong where Franks serves with love every day.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar. For food on the table and a roof over my head, I gratefully give thanks for all you have done and for new mercies and blessings each and every day. In your name. AMEN.
October 30, 2015 was a beautiful autumn day in Jefferson Township and a perfect day for the New Hire Orientation designed to give new employees an understanding of the DPD.
It is obvious Lourdes concern for the residents of Fitzpatrick House comes from the heart. Saint Faustina said, “Pure love knows that only one thing is needed to please God: to do even the smallest things out of great love - love, and always love.” You are truly a model of such generous love for the people you serve and work with.
“A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17 In the DPD we are fortunate to have volunteers who visit our group homes with their therapy dogs also known as "Comfort Dogs" since this is exactly what they bring to the places they visit. The blessing of animals is a tradition as we remember Saint Francis of Assisi.
The DPD is proud and happy to introduce Kelly O'Caiside as the first Director of it's newest group home; the Giuliano House located in Oak Ridge. This home, while still under construction, is scheduled to welcome it's four residents in November. We are blessed to have Kelly ready and willing to take on this new challenge. Kelly came to the DPD in 1996.
We are still in what is called “ordinary time.” Although it may sound anything but special it is truly a reminder of what we need most: a regular and calm pace to life instead of hectic hurrying and pressure. As noted by Father Ron Rolheiser, “there is much literature that speak of the difficulties of being attentive to the present moment and so we miss the moments offered by every hour. “
Parfait is a staff member at Columbus House. Originally from Burkina Faso in West Africa he is on an interesting and courageous journey here in the U.S. Find out more about his story...
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the revered intercession of St Giles may bring us heavenly aid, just as his wonderful life is an example of humility for all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen