THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES

Variants of the Virus present further Problems

The COVID-19 pandemic continued its presence, affecting the lives of our people. Increased hospitalizations, deaths, quarantines, vaccinations, booster shots, face coverings continued to be a regular part of living. In January, our liturgical schedule as well as other aspects of parish life continued but under limited conditions. Virtual meetings were a great help to maintaining many programs and other activities. The Mass schedule was expanded in May and on June 6, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Bishop O’Connell lifted the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Gradually our Mass schedule was restored. In the Autumn, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours (Lauds) was added to our schedule.

Financial Support Continues

Despite the lower level of Mass attendance, parishioners generously helped the parish maintain a healthy level of financial support. A major expense during the year was the major refurbishment of the elevator at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. The total cost of the project was $82,542 and was paid in full owing to the generosity of our parishioners. Our Lenten Work of Love helped toward the construction of Marie Immaculee School in Platon, Haiti. Our Knight to Remember School Gala, held virtually in April, helped to raise nearly $40,000. It was aided by mailing raffle tickets to our supportive parishioners who responded generously.

Special Events of the Year

On March 21, our parish hosted a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Centennial of Trenton’s Mount Carmel Guild. Attendance at the 2:00 pm was limited, in accord with pandemic protocols. Bishop O’Connell was principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass.

Our parish rejoiced in the Ordination of Salvatore Petro to the Diaconate on May 15th at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Trenton. Deacon Salvatore assisted as deacon for the first time at the 11:00 am Mass on the following day.

Grandparents and their grandchildren were honored at a Mass on the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne on Monday, July 26 at St. Anthony Church. A luncheon followed in the church hall. The main celebrant and homilist was Fr. Eugene Savarimuthu, a former parochial vicar of the parish, serving St. Mary’s Parish, Colts Neck. Our cohort partner parishes—St. Gregory the Great and St. Raphael-Holy Angels were invited.

We were able to hold our annual picnic on Sunday, September 12 as we honored our patroness—Our Lady of Sorrows.

October saw the return of days of recollection: Liturgical Ministers were invited to a talk by Fr. Michael Hall, Diocesan Director of Worship on the theme, “Ministry-An Experience of the Sacred.” The Rosary-Altar Society hosted a reflection day conducted by Fr. Garry Koch who spoke on how Our Lady is pre-figured in Sacred Scripture. Our Respect Life Group highlighted the Church’s pro-life message by bulletin articles, lawn signs, and automobile magnets. On Sunday, October 17, Bishop O’Connell inaugurated with a Mass at the Cathedral, the Diocesan phase of the Synod called by Pope Francis to be held in Rome in 2023.

On December 8, the Church’s “Year of St. Joseph’ concluded.

Clergy Changes

On April 5, our parish welcomed Fr. Daniel Gowen, to serve as parochial vicar. On July 1, Fr. Pierre Joseph, having completed his three-year term, permitted by his bishop, returned to the Diocese of Miami. In his place, Fr. Pierre Michel Alabre returned to our parish after serving in the Diocese of West Palm Beach (FL). Fr. Jean R. Felicien in residence during his graduate studies at Catholic University, Washington, DC attained a Licentiate in Canon Law on May 15. On July 1, Bishop O’Connell appointed him Associate Judicial Vicar to serve in the Diocesan Tribunal. He was also appointed parochial vicar of the three parishes of Hopewell Valley. In October, Deacon Luders Desire was assigned to the Parish of Corpus Christi, Willingboro, at his request to serve the community in which he resides.