Beneft Concert for Africa Surgery, Inc.

An exciting performance by the Full Count Big Band will be held on Saturday evening, October 17, at 8:00 p.m. at Assumption Church, 91 Maple Avenue in Morristown, featuring a great mix of classic swing music of the 1940’s with the contemporary sounds of today’s popular big bands, as well as arrangements of familiar popular music, and jazz standards, website: http://www.westfieldnj.com/fullcount/

All this plus great refreshments for only a $10 suggested donation for adults, children free. All proceeds will go toward Tommy Johnson’s work with Africa Surgery, Inc. providing medical care and surgical treatment to needy people in Sierra Leone, West Africa, (website: africasurgery.org (no www. in front)). For directions or for more information, call the office at Assumption: 973-539-2141. Anyone wishing to help Tommy by providing baked goods or beverages for refreshments, can contact him at 973-292-3320 or email: tomandtomjr@msn.com.

Blessing of Animals

“God is indeed deep,” Old Turtle said to the fish in the sea; “and much higher than high,” she told the mountains. “God is swift and free as the wind, and still and solid as a great rock,” she said to the breezes and stones. “God is the life of the world,” Turtle said to the willow. “Always close by, yet beyond the farthest twinkling light,” she told the ant and the star. “God is gentle and powerful. Above all things and within all things. God is all that we dream of, and all that we seek,” said Old Turtle, “all that we come from and all that we can find. God IS.”

(from Old Turtle, by Douglas Wood, 1992)

In honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, next Saturday, October 3rd, we will have a Blessing of Animals by the statue of St. Francis located behind the rectory. All are invited to gather around the statue with your family pets (on leashes or in pet carriers) at 9:30 a.m. for a brief blessing upon your animals and some pet-friendly refreshments in the parking lot.

Middle School Youth Ministry Game Night

On Sunday, September 27, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. the 6th, 7th
and 8th graders of Assumption Parish are invited to “Open
Game Night” (basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, Playstation, WII, etc.) plus participate in a service opportunity by helping to make bag lunches for the Community Soup Kitchen.

Music and snacks will be provided. For information or to register for the event email us at MSYM@assumptionparish.org or call 973- 267-5638.

All youth must turn in a permission slip in order to attend.

Donations are being accepted for the items needed for the sandwiches: packages of ham, turkey and cheese (American or Swiss); bread; drinks (water, juice boxes, etc. – no soda); individually wrapped snacks (chips, pretzels, cookies, etc.); fruit (oranges, apples, pears); one gallon size clear Ziploc bags; and sandwich bags.

Monetary donations are welcome also. Email us at MSYM@assumptionparish.org or call 973-267-5638
to make a donation.

Here's the "Dish" on the Picnic

Okay, so here's all you need to know about the big parish Hello and Goodbye picnic next Sunday. . .

• Date - September 13, 2009 Rain or Shine


• Time - 1:30 - 4:30 p.m


• Where? In front of Assumption School and on the lawn of the Assumption Ministry Center. Please note - Macculloch Ave will be closed to vehicular traffic from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.


• What if I forgot to make a reservation? Email us quickly at assumption.picnic@assumptionparish.org and we'll squeeze you in.


• Where will I park? That's the million-dollar question and can only be answered with the following. . . Anywhere you find a space! Carpool . . . carpool. . . carpool!


• Do I have to sign in? No, there will be no sign-in table. Just arrive and enjoy the picnic.

• What will there be to eat and drink? Ronnie's All American Barbecue will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, sausage and peppers, grilled chicken, side salads, watermelon, iced tea and lemonade. . . YUMMY!

• Does it cost money to attend? No, the picnic is free for all parishioners and school families. If, however, you are able to contribute extra to this weekend's collection to help defray the costs, the gesture would be greatly appreciated.

• Where will the food be served? There will be several identical food stations on the school property.

• What if iced tea and lemonade are not my beverages of choice? You are free to bring your own coolers with adult or other beverages. Please remember that Assumption is now recycling friendly. You can find a recycling containers for aluminum and glass in the school's courtyard.

• Will there be seating for everyone? Seating will be on a first come/first seated basis. We will provide some tents and seating for approximately 600 attendees in front of the school and in the school gymnasium, but we suggest that those with young children bring lawn chairs in order to set up camp close to the children's attractions.

• What attractions will there be for children? Our youth ministry will be providing face painting and tattoos on the lawn of the ministry center all afternoon. A dee-jay will be providing dance music on the school playground for the afternoon as well. We will also have an inflatable bounce house and obstacle course (height restrictions will apply) and a magician will be performing two shows on the ministry center lawn - one at 2:30 and another at 3:30.

• What about adults? There will be an old-fashioned Dixieland band playing on the lawn of the school.

• Will there be a first aid or missing child stand? Yes, we will have a rescue squad stationed by the flagpole in front of the school. First aid and information will be located there as well.

• Can I use the facilities? Our senior citizens are invited to use the bathroom facilities located down the small corridor directly off of the gym. Port-o-Johns will be available for non-seniors both behind the school and on the grounds of the ministry center.

• What can I do for Father Martin to mark this important occasion in his life? Remember, the most meaningful gift you can give to Fr. Martin to mark this important milestone in his life, is to give a gift in his name to his favorite charity: Hope House, 19-21 Belmont Ave. (P.O. Box 851) Dover, NJ 07802-0581. Please include a note stating that your donation is to honor Fr. Martin on his retirement.

So that's the dish! Have a great time and enjoy the picnic!

Parish Coordinator