Dear Parishioners,
Hope you are well. Parish life continues in the COVID time and I am encouraged to notice the increase in Mass attendance with each passing week. Still, I do miss seeing so many others who remain at home. Let us keep our prayer strong for an end to this pandemic and for all those who are suffering its effects. Here are a few October updates on our parish life:
In my last “update” I mentioned that October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. In more recent years, it is also known as “Respect Life Month.” It is a time to highlight the vital need to speak for those who have no voice—the unborn; a time to speak for the most vulnerable in our society—the elderly and terminally ill. Yet, on October 8, in the first days of this month to uphold the sanctity of life at every stage, New Jersey State legislators have proposed a “Reproductive Freedom Act” that seeks to protect and expand access to reproductive health care—e.g.. birth control and pregnancy related “care” which includes abortion. The Bishops of our State urge all Catholics and people of good will to reject this proposed legislative initiative and to contact our state legislators to vigorously express opposition to its passage.
Bishop O’Connell invites everyone to pray a novena for our nation from October 26 through November 3. It is published on the Monitor website and our own parish website. Let us come to Election Day with a renewed love of our country, and an informed conscience as we prepare to cast our vote.
The modernization/refurbishment of the elevator is underway. Parts must be custom made and other parts are on order. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I am praying that the project will be completed very soon…. Christmas is coming! Those who need assistance of an elevator to come to Mass are asked to go to Saint Anthony’s.
It is hard to believe that plans are already being made for our Christmas. The fluid nature of the pandemic has made planning unwieldly. I have consulted with the priests, deacons, pastoral and finance councils on devising a schedule of Masses. COVID protocols will most likely remain in effect which will limit our capacity at each Mass. For this reason, Bishop O’Connell has decreed that the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass will remain in effect. In terms of a Mass schedule, we are inclined to increase the number of Masses offered, especially on Christmas Eve. More about this in later updates…
On Sunday, October 11 at the 9:30 am Mass, I had the joy of receiving into the Church, Cory McNallan and Daniel Dascoli. At the same Mass they were confirmed and received their First Holy Communion. During the liturgy, four baptized Catholics completed their Sacraments of Initiation (Holy Eucharist and Confirmation): Juan Martinez, Jason Schafer, Calogero Messina, and Yanderi Reyes. We congratulate them as they encounter the Lord through the holy Sacraments….and we thank them for their patience—since this celebration was to be part of our Solemn Easter Vigil in March. Thanks to our dedicated RCIA team for their prayer and guidance!
Thanks to Mrs. Tuohy and our dedicated faculty and staff, our school year is progressing well. Parents too, have been so very cooperative in doing all that is possible to safeguard the health of children. A good number of students who began the year with virtual learning have opted for the “in person” class experience. A survey will be taken this week to offer parents an opportunity to offer their views and opinions on the how school life has gone thus far.
Like many neighboring parishes, our program is entirely virtual, and Mrs. Francis is pleased with the active interest our parents have taken in catechesis. A few of the requirements of our sacramental programs are being adapted owing to our changed circumstances.
In closing, I want to offer my thanks to all who are mindful of the needs of the parish by their financial support. Your weekly or monthly giving at Mass, through the mail, online giving, or drop off at the rectory or office is greatly appreciated.
May Our Lady of the Rosary watch over our parish family and intercede for you!
Msgr. Gervasio
This past weekend we celebrated our patronal feast honoring Our Lady of Sorrows. The actual feast is today, September 15. I was very happy to note an increase in attendance and thank all who participated both in person or through livestreaming. I am grateful to Angelo Milioto for seeing that the livestreaming of Mass continues. Our original technical director, Fr. Jean Felicien as many of you know, has returned to his studies at Washington’s Catholic University of America. Let us continue to implore Our Lady’s maternal protection and intercession!
On September 10, our Bishop issued an update to the “Liturgical and Pastoral Directives in a time of Pandemic” that were published on May 29, 2020. While most of the directives remain in place, there were a number of revisions:
The number of persons permitted in church for ALL Masses was increased to 1/3 of the church’s capacity.
The dispensation from the Sunday obligation remains in effect until further notice.
Group devotions in church are permitted, adhering to 1/3 capacity, observing social distancing, the wearing of masks and sanitizing of facilities.
Meetings outside of church (in the parish buildings) are permitted but limited to 25% capacity providing all protocols are observed
Distribution of flyers, selling of raffle tickets/religious articles and signing of petitions inside or outside church is prohibited
Nuptial Masses & Ceremonies are permitted as determined by a parish’s circumstances
Parish meetings may resume effective October 1 provided groups observe the following protocols:
The number allowed to attend will be limited [details provided to group leaders]
Social distancing must be observed, and masks are to be worn
An attendance list must be submitted to the parish office for contact tracing
Groups are responsible to sanitize appropriate areas [materials supplied by parish]
No food or drink is to be served [Water is an exception]
Organization leaders are to make arrangements with Denise Mikics: DMikics@ols-sa.org
Groups unable to meet these requirements, should not hold meetings until they are ready.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will resume on Thursdays following the 9:00 am Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows. Simple Reposition of the Sacrament will take place at 6:00 pm. The usual COVID-19 protocols are to be observed.
Prayer Groups who come to church on other days during the week are strongly encouraged to come during this extended period of Eucharistic Adoration.
We are pleased to return to our regular hours effective October 1:
Monday to Thursday: | 9:00 am to 8:00 pm |
Fridays: | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
Saturdays: | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm |
How we shall manage Advent Confessions and the celebration of Masses during Christmastide is a challenge that is being taken up by the Bishop’s COVID-19 Taskforce. Guidance will soon be provided to the pastors as they look toward that busy time!
I am so very grateful to all those who contributed to this year’s Summer Project. As you may recall we are looking to a two-year plan that would involve replacing the school boiler at Our Lady of Sorrows and the Air Condition units at St. Anthony Church. I am very pleased to report that the installation of the new boiler is in its final stages. Next year, we shall install the new AC units. [We shall be sure this project is not done during the hot summer months!] Below is a report on the revenue and expenditures of the project:
Income [as of 9/15/20] | |
Regular Contributions | $ 39,864 |
Gift by Single Donor | $ 27,000 |
Gift of Non-Parishioner | $ 1,000 |
Total: | $ 67,864 |
Expenditure | |
Final Cost of Boiler Replacement [meets the estimate given] |
$ 55,085 |
Balance [Reserved for AC project 2021] |
$12,779 |
Msgr. Gervasio
To make a reservation, send an email to Denise Mikics or call her at 609-587-4372 . Reservations for Sunday Masses will be accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, until the total allowed capacity is reached.
Day Time Location Capacity Saturday 4:00 PM St. Anthony 317 Sunday 9:30 AM St. Anthony 317 11:00 AM Our Lady of Sorrows (also live streamed) 216 12:30 PM St. Anthony (Creole) 317
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.To make a reservation, send an email to Denise Mikics or call her at 609-587-4372 . Reservations for Weekday Masses will be accepted on Mondays and Tuesdays only, until the total allowed capacity is reached.
The maximum number permitted at daily Mass is 25.
Saturday | After the 9:00 AM Mass 2:45 – 3:30 PM |
Our Lady of Sorrows Church |
Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Fridays, 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
As with the celebration of public “in Church” Masses, parishes not ready or able to meet the preceding requirements for administration of the sacraments should postpone them until they are ready or able. The pastor is to make that determination.
Recognizing that it is impossible to anticipate every question or conceivable parish scenario, priests are directed to use good pastoral judgment and common sense in such situations, while observing these directives.
These preceding directives are temporary and remain in effect until rescinded by the Bishop.
Dear Parishioners:
Greetings and blessings to you and your loved ones during this Easter Octave! Holy Week and Easter 2020 will surely be indelibly etched in our memories! I hope you are well and that you continue to observe the precautions advised to safeguard our health.
Thanks to all those who have been praying with us during our live-streamed liturgies. I am indeed grateful for your many supportive comments on-line, through email and regular post. This is one way we can stay connected! Please join us for Mass on Sundays at 11:00 am visiting our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/olssahamilton/
I hasten to add my thanks to all who remember the needs of the parish by mailing in their contributions and donating on-line. If you wish, you could also drop your envelope through the rectory door mail slot and at the same time, pick up a “Little White Book” of Reflections for the Easter Season, available right at the door. While our weekly and Easter collections have suffered, our expenses are in large part the same. This is why your contributions at this time are so critical. We have taken a number of cost-saving measures during this “crunch time” that we hope will be helpful. At the same time, I am aware that many people are struggling financially. Unemployment figures are staggering! I can only trust our parishioners will contribute as their means allow.
A few other developments:
Stay well! Stay safe! Pray always! Hope to see you soon!
Msgr. Gervasio, Fr. Joseph, and Fr. Jean
See updates from Bishop O'Connell on Confessions, financial issues, and staff issues resulting from the Corona Virus shutdowns.
Dear Parishioners,
These have been stressful, anxious and challenging times for us all...a Lent like no other, to be sure! They have certainly been days of greater prayer and of turning to the word of the Lord for light and strength. COVID-19 has dealt a severe blow to every aspect of our lives...and while we have to contend with so many “closures” we must always remember that the Lord’s Sacred Heart remains always open to our prayers.
The parish and school staff has been striving to keep everyone informed as best as possible on how this crisis has impacted our pastoral activity. Observing diocesan and governmental directives, I can share the following:
I am pleased to tell you that we are now able to “live-stream” our Masses through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/olssahamilton/ At this point our schedule is:
March 29 | Fifth Sunday of Lent | 11:00 AM |
April 5 | Palm Sunday | 11:00 AM |
April 9 | Holy Thursday | 7:00 PM |
April 10 | Good Friday | 3:00 PM |
April 11 | The Solemn Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday) | 7:30 PM |
April 12 | Easter Sunday | 11:00 AM |
“Standing erect, holding our heads high, is the attitude of spiritually mature people in the face of the calamities of our world...It is possible for us to stand with self confidence in this world, never losing our spiritual ground, always aware that ‘sky and earth will pass away’ but the words of Jesus will never pass away. Let us, like Mary, the mother of Jesus, who stood under the cross, trusting in God’s faithfulness notwithstanding the death of His beloved Child. “ [Henri Nouwen: Bread for the Journey]
Hoping to see you very soon at the Altar of the Lord,
Msgr. Gervasio
Bishop David M. O'Connell has issued a decree on the celebration of the Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Because of restrictions due to the Coronavirus, we are still unable to hold public Masses. Therefore, the bishop's decree announces live-streaming for the liturgies of Palm Sunday, the Paschal Triduum, and Easter, as well as the postponement of the Chrism Mass.
The bishop also explains the requirements for a plenary indulgence during this health crisis.
God has not abandoned us and is present among us. As we learn each day of the growing concern surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in our communities, we need to have faith and confidence in God, especially in times like these, praying that He will see us through the present adversity safely.
Mindful of the Lord Jesus’ own words in St. Luke’s Gospel, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his Cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9: 23),” the coronavirus pandemic has placed such a Cross before us.
In response to the latest guidelines from national and state health authorities aimed at stopping the spread of the disease, I have directed the following:
The Catholic faithful of the Diocese ...are advised to keep informed and updated regarding the progress of the coronavirus pandemic during this national and state emergency. You will find links to national, state and local agencies on our webpage: dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus. We will continue to evaluate new information that could impact these directives and will post regular updates to dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus; TrentonMonitor.com/coronavirus and on the Diocese’s social media pages.
FINALLY, avoid crowded areas, observe careful hygiene, keep appropriate distances outside the home and if feeling sick, stay at home. I ask that all of the faithful remember the elderly and other persons at risk in their families and communities, and reach out to them by phone to see if help is needed.
·
Hours for private prayer in open church to be determined by pastor
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
All public Masses throughout the Diocese are temporarily suspended through April 3, 2020. That date is subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic evolves.
Baptism, funerals and weddings may continue based on the judgement of pastors, with the caution that crowds should not exceed 50 persons as mandated by the State of New Jersey.
Social distancing practices (3-6 feet of space between participants) should be observed for any event inside church spaces.
Churches should remain open for prayer, private devotion and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Pastors are asked to consider Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the day. Praying in large groups, however, should be avoided.
Attention should be paid to the cleanliness of our church facilities.
Televised or online celebrations of the Mass and other religious programming are available for use of the faithful during this time.
All scheduled Confirmations in the Diocese will be temporarily postponed until after Easter and will be re-scheduled after that time.
The Sacrament of Penance should remain available according to need, but public Penance Services are not to be conducted.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick should also remain available for true emergencies. Hospitals and nursing homes may be on lock-down and priests are advised to check on their status beforehand.
All Catholic schools in the Diocese will remain closed as mandated by the State of New Jersey. Directions for academic work have been provided by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in coordination with Catholic school administrations.
All religious education programs are suspended with at-home work provided by the local parish leaders where possible.
The Chancery offices will be closed March 16 through March 23 and staff will work remotely during that time. A limited number of staff will be present in the office on an as-needed basis to provide essential services.
Pastors should make appropriate judgments regarding parish offices. Other regular parish activities and previously scheduled events should be postponed or canceled.
Catholic social and charitable outreach programs and services in the Diocese should be adjusted to meet directions mandated by the State of New Jersey
For a list of streamed or recorded Masses available online, or television stations airing the Sunday Mass, go to dioceseoftrenton.org/coronavirus“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”
As we all face what has become a grave and growing health risk, it is important for all the Catholic faithful to “persevere in hardship and keep praying regularly (Romans 12:12).” As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I invite all the Catholic faithful to join with me in prayer:
O Mary, loving Mother, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, who at the Cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm. You, Salvation of Your People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection.
Be present to all those suffering from coronavirus and to those who care for them: families, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, staff, government officials, pastors, priests and all who seek to do God’s will. Bring comfort and calm to the elderly, to those at risk and to all who are afraid. Be for us all a beacon of hope, lighting our path once more to the heart of your beloved Son, the Divine Healer and Health of the Sick. Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
Mass intentions will be offered as committed, even though donors are not able to be present.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church only will remain open daily for visits to the Blessed Sacrament from 9:00 am through 3:00 pm.
The parish office will be closed but we will always respond to phone and email messages.
In accord with the directives of the Bishop, and in consideration of the recommendations made by the State of New Jersey, the following directives are in effect until further notice.
Everyone is urged to observe the precautions recommendation by the Department of Health and to be judicious regarding attending Mass and other services. We will keep everyone informed of any further developments. Let us keep in our prayers the sick and all who are working to bring healing and a resolution to this threat.
Msgr. Thomas Gervasio
Pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, NJ