The winners for our Gift card raffle.  Congratulations to our Winners !

1st Prize- Brother Bob Petrone – St. John’s council
2nd Prize- Brother Joe Miller- DD
3rd Prize- Bob Conway from Oak Ridge.

Thank you to our GK- Tony for organizing it, and to ALL the embers who sold tickets in the Cold, and bought and sold tickets to the public.

America Needs the Rosary – The Rosary is an old prayer that is always new, leading us to Jesus through Mary. The Blessed Mother urged everyone to pray the Rosary during her apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. She called herself the “Lady of the Rosary” and promised that the Rosary would help people grow in their faith, convert sinners, and bring about world peace. The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary will be celebrated on October 13 at 12 Noon, when all are invited to meditate upon the mysteries of Christ at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. 

The Knights of Columbus Joseph F Lamb Council will be holding a Blood Drive on Friday, February2nd from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church 5635 Berkshire Valley Road. Oak Ridge, New Jersey 07438.

Donating blood is a simple, selfless gift of life that helps ensure a sustained and secure blood supply for all people. While most people expect blood to be available if they should ever need it, only a fraction of those who can give blood really do.  

Most adults can give blood according to general guidelines for donation, a person must be in good general health, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days. Prior to donating blood, each donor will undergo a brief examination to measure temperature, blood pressure and red blood cell count.

Blood is always needed and it is important for those who can donate to do so.

For more information on donating blood during the blood drive, please call George at  973-715-3622.

Please join the “2017 Public Square Rosary Rally”on March 18, 2017 at 12:00 noon sharp in front of the St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 5635 Berkshire Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, NJ.

The “2017 Public Square Rosary Rally” is sponsored by America Needs Fatima. The campaign is to capture the hearts and souls of America with the message of Our Lady of Fatima. In 1917, Our Lady appeared at Fatima to three children with a message of warning and hope for humanity. If the world did not convert, the Blessed Mother said there would be much suffering, famines and wars. To avert such disasters, Our Lady asked for prayer.

On March 18, 2017 at 12:00 noon there will be rallies across the United States that will meet and pray the Rosary for America. There will be over 3,000 rallies being held throughout the United States. Please join us in offering reparation for sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to fervently pray for Traditional Marriage and for the conversion of the United States.

The Miracle of the sun occurred on Oct. 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal with over 70,000 witnesses and many nonbelievers converted. The Public Square Rally will remind the person on the street that conversion is still possible.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW for April 22^nd and get your dancing shoes on!

The Joseph F. Lamb Knights of Columbus Council #5510 is hosting its Second Annual Dinner Show!  This year’s event will be “Dinner with Dino!”  As 2017 marks the 100^th anniversary of Dean Martin’s birth, what better way to celebrate than having a tribute show dedicated to the live music Martin made famous during his career?  There will be food and dancing and fun for all and it’s a BYOB event!

The date is Saturday, April 22, 2017, the doors at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church’s  hall located at 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Milton/Oak Ridge open at 6:30 p.m., and the ticket price is $23.50 per person. Included in your ticket price is dinner, dessert, and beverages (soda, water, coffee, and tea) as well as an evening of the music of Dean Martin performed by Dave DeLuca.

Food catered by Portofino’s Restaurant and the Buffet Menu includes: Salad,  Pasta Bolognese, Chicken Francese, w/potatoes and mushrooms, Loin of Pork, Rolls/butter.

 A New Jersey native,  Dave DeLuca is an accomplished singer, songwriter, musician, and recording engineer who has been performing for over 40 years. In this one-man show “That’s Amore,”  DeLuca imitates Martin’s relaxed, warbling crooning voice as he performs signature songs such as Memories Are Made of This, Everybody Loves Somebody, You’re Nobody ‘ till Somebody Loves You, Sway, Volare, Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, and That’s Amore.

Dean Martin was nicknamed the King of Cool for his seemingly effortless charisma and self-assuredness, he and Jerry Lewis were partners in the internationally acclaimed comedy team Martin and Lewis, and he was a member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack as well as a star in concert, recordings, motion pictures, and television.

Last year, the K of C’s Dinner with Sinatra event was a huge success; and this show Dinner with Dino will be even better so be sure to make your reservation early! Advance ticket sales only! For more information and tickets call Fred at 973-697-5998 or George at 973-715-3622.

Ken and Joe

Ken & Eileen’s Home in North Carolina

Ken with Wife Eileeen

Joe Ozoniak, PGK visit Ken Colbiegh  in North Carolina, and took a few pictures of the Marine, and his wife Eileen. Ken lives like Trump in a mansion!

Ken just retired in January. He was working for a hospital in Greensboro. Good thing because he needed to have 5 stints to his heart. He also wanted everyone to know he thinks of the council and says hello to all.

Ken from All of Us, You look great and we miss you!

Ken with Wife Eileen

Tina Figurelli, Executive Director of Birth Haven receiving Check from Joseph Ozoniak PGK of Knights of Columbus Council #5510

Joseph Ozoniak, P.G.K of the Knights of Columbus Council #5510 had the privilege to present a donation to Tina Figurelli, Executive Director of Birth Haven Shelter and home. As chairman of this “Baby Bottle” yearly drive which starts on Mother’s Day and ends on Father’s day, Joe decided, “it’s a must” to help the unborn.

The Knights of Columbus fundraiser run by Joe Ozoniak is called a Baby Bottle Drive because we distributed baby bottles during the weekend Masses at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Oak Ridge, NJ and asked each family to take a baby bottle home and return it with their spare change and cash donations. The generous parishioners responded of which the Knights are very grateful.

This year the Parish of Saint Thomas in Oak Ridge, NJ stepped up and filled baby bottles with change and checks to bring the Fund drive to a successful $2050.90. Joe can’t thank Father Matt, of St Thomas the Apostle Church and the parish enough for allowing the Knight’s to help this worthy cause. Joe said, “We are so grateful that the parish supports this drive. It is an active way as Christians to help the unborn children. We must continue to give young woman an option other than abortion. I wish other Knights councils would step up and hold some type of fund drive to help Tina Figurelli with the home’s wish list.”

Birth Haven is an independent, nonsectarian, non-profit organization that provides shelter, support, and education for homeless, pregnant women and girls, established in 1985. Birth Haven woman do receive state aide, but the House is totally dependent on donations to keep the house in repair and compliant to all state requirements.

If you would like to learn more about Birth Haven check out their website: https://birthhaven.ipower.com/

Mr. Ozoniak again is grateful to all who helped in this year’s drive.

Our Council sponsored the 15th Hole of the the 42nd Annual Weigand Farm Classic. At the event were Jim Zadjel, PGK and Anthony Iovine.

The 2015-2016 Knight  of the Year for our Council was awarded to George DeVito by GK Charlie Miele. George’s enthusiasm and involvement in so many of the Council’s activities over the year made him the obvious choice. Being humble George said all we did this year was done with teamwork.

On every team there is an MVP! Congratulations George!

Download (PDF, 561KB)

Congratulations to Sir Mike Murphy, PGK and his wife Kathy as St Thomas the Apostle’s Parish recipients of this year’s Vivere Christus Award Winners.

In picture (L to R), Winstone Arradaza, Seminarian; Mike & Kathy Murphy; and Pastor Fr. Matthew Twiggs. (picture supplies by, Joseph D. Ozoniak, PGK)

“Sure and Begorrah!” Come celebrate with us for a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner!
To be held on Saturday, March 19^th at St Thomas the Apostle Church located at 5635 Berkshire Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, NJ.

Doors will open at 6:00PM and the feast includes Corn Beef and Cabbage with Potatoes & Carrots and Soda Bread. Beverages of Soda/Water, Coffee & Tea and Desert!

Admission is only $15.00/person – Children under 12 years of age only $8.00.
(Donations accepted).

For Tickets & Information: Call Mike at 908-697-7415 or Jim at 973-697-2686.

The event is being sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5510 Oak Ridge/Milton

You don’t have to be Irish to have a good time!

The Knights of Columbus Council No. 5510 Oak Ridge/Milton is sponsoring a musical event in Jefferson, “Dinner with Sinatra”. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 9. 2016 for a night of fun, food and music with live entertainment.

The event will be held at St Thomas the Apostle Church 5635 Berkshire Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, NJ. Doors Open at 6:30PM.

Tickets are only, $17.50/person and includes Dinner, Dessert, & Live Entertainment with a dance floor. This is a BYOB event!

“The Very Best of Sinatra’s Music “Performed Live by vocalist, Jonni Drue. This is a 90 minute performance and you will hear 30+ of your favorite Sinatra hits!

Jonni Drue has performed up and down the East Coast from Vermont down to Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and of course New Jersey including Atlantic City casinos.

One of the most frequent compliments Jonni receives from his sometimes unsuspecting audiences is, “I didn’t know you were singing, I thought they were playing Sinatra records!”

“I’ll Be Frank” is the #1 ranked Frank Sinatra tribute in New Jersey, New York City, & Philadelphia not to mention the #1 Sinatra singer – from GigMasters.com

For Tickets & Information: Call Fred at 973-697-5998 or Charlie at 973-657–1285

Advance ticket sales only there will be NO tickets sold at the door! 

So Get Your Tickets Early They Will Go Fast!

        The Knights of Columbus Joseph F Lamb Council #5510 Milton/Oak Ridge opened their hearts and made Christmas special for so many at the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD).

Instead of a “grab bag gift” at the Christmas Social each brother knight bought a gift for one resident of DPD from a list from the resident’s wish list. The presents were wrapped and labelled for each resident to be open on Christmas morning. The thought was why give some not needed grab bag gift when you can help someone in need. That’s what the    Knights of Columbus are all about!

DPD provides residential, vocational, spiritual and social support for adults with developmental disabilities and their families. DPD operates nine group homes, two supervised apartments and a vocational day program throughout Morris, Sussex and Passaic County and provides care for over 100 adults with special needs. In Jefferson Township, DPD operates Finnegan House, Columbus House and Alexander House located off of Weldon Road.

The concept of the organization is that adults with developmental disabilities can thrive better in community settings, rather than in institutional care. They encourage clients to live full lives, offering aid where needed, and support when necessary.

In the picture, (L to R) Jim Zajdel, PGK, Anthony Iovine, Fr. Jhon Madrid, Charlie Miele, GK & Scott Milliken, DPD Executive Director

Each year the Joseph F. Lamb Council 5510 of the Knights of Columbus of Milton-Oak Ridge has sponsored the display of the Nativity in front of the Jefferson Township Municipal Building on Weldon Road.

Grand Knight Charles Miele has expresses his appreciation to the township’s Mayor Russell Felter and Business Administrator James Leach and the Township Council for their approval and cooperation in allowing the Knights to set up their display on township property.

At this years Tree lighting ceremony,  Council President Rich Yocum said ” While other towns are having their Holiday ceremonies, here in Jefferson I am proud to say we are having our “CHRiSTMAS TREE” Lighting ceremony. It is true we are blessed to living in Jefferson Township.

The Nativity scene is the representation of the birth of Christ and will remain up throughout the Christmas Season.

The following is a letter from our Fr. Jhon Madrid from our parish bulletin.

For several years Nigeria has been fighting Boko Haram. This Islamic insurgency is known for kidnapping women and young girls, forcing conversion of Christians, and having destroyed hundreds of churches in the past four years. Also, since the outbreak of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, we have seen how hundreds of thousands of Christians and other religious minorities have been forced to leave their ancient homeland. It is devastating to read stories about whole parishes in exile trying to survive and keep their faith alive even though they reside in foreign refugee camps. As we have witnessed, Christian leaders have expressed grave concern about the spiritual life of their displaced communities. But what is our role as we see the suffering of our brothers and sisters? Do we break the silence?

Following the reflection of a priest friend, I would like you to imagine sitting home one day when suddenly you hear megaphones screaming from cars outside. With a hate-filled militancy, soldiers declare you must abandon your faith and pay a tax that is more than the value of your home, or leave everything behind. You are told you have one hour to decide. You have to have in mind that to stay is to die, but so is to leave. As you try to decide what to do, you hear your beloved elderly neighbor arguing with the soldiers, explaining that this is not how we are meant to live, and then you hear a shot and the screams of his daughters as they are taken away. As the father of two young daughters, you look at them, you grab your family, your elderly parents, and you run, making your way into the desert with little food, water or hope. If the terrorist get hold of your daughters, they will be sold as sex slaves. You can see their prices online.

As your heart breaks to the future and mourns for the past, you cry out to the world around you, you cry out because someone in this world must break the silence. A lot of spiritual leaders, journalist, and leaders have broken this silence. For instance, Pope Francis has spoken several times of the many Christians, who continue to be persecuted, and of the complicit silence of many powerful world leaders. Also, James Foley, a Catholic journalist, broke the silence with his pen and camera, telling the story of those who are suffering in Syria. As his mother said, “he gave his life to expose the suffering of Syrian people.” Those who beheaded him mocked his faith, but he was not silent. His voice and example continue to speak and to challenge us all. It is sad to read about Christians telling the stories of ISIS’ targeting of their home parishes, villages, and families. Sermed Ashkouri, a Syriac man living with his family in America, took his children this past summer to the town in Syria where he grew up. He wanted to show his children where many of their family members died because they refused to be silent, because they loved their faith.

Even though the beauty of fall in New Jersey arrives, the horror of Christian persecution continues undiminished in the Middle East. Christians, Yazidis, Kurds, Turkmen, Kaka’e, and other minorities are persistently persecuted. Christian groups in Egypt, Eretria, Ethiopia, Nigeria and other countries in Africa are targeted with increasing ferocity. Iraq, which had 1.5 million Christians a few years ago, today has fewer than 200,000. Recently, we have seen how thousands of Syria’s Christian population fled to Europe. We have heard about how desperation left a 3-year-old boy washed up on a Turkish beach. The religious minorities that once flourished in a vibrant and diverse Middle East are fast disappearing. The world would be wise to break the silence, wake up, and realize the solution is not in the redistribution of peoples, but rather in getting rid of the very violent extremist at its source. The world has to refuse to be silent.

It is disappointing to see that despite ISIS’ targeting of Christians and religious minorities, the US State Department refuses to grant these communities –these families- preferential treatment in the processing of visa requests. Last year, the State Department granted nearly 1,000 visas to Syrians, only 28 of whom were Christians. In Iraq, only one out of seven visas being granted is to Christians. In our parish community and as people of faith and good citizens, we have a chance to make a difference. We all can break the silence and ask presidential candidates what they will do to stop Christian persecution in the Middle East. As political campaigns are on their way, I hope we may not be defined by conversations about the Donald’s hair and the Hillary’s email, but rather by the cry to speak for the voiceless.

Fr. Jhon Madrid