Next Sunday, November 15 (the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time) is the World Day of the Poor, established by Pope Francis in 2016. Thanks to all who remember the poor through their regular donations to the poor boxes at the doors of our churches. These gifts help our parish respond to the many requests we receive for emergency assistance.
We are pleased to publish our extended Christmas Eve/Day Schedule in advance, reminding everyone that the COVID restrictions remain in place that limit the number of people allowed in church. Click the article title for more information and a link to the schedule.
The month of November is dedicated to prayer for the faithful departed. During this month the names of our beloved deceased, indicated on the envelopes you have returned, will be placed upon the altars of our churches. There they will remain for prayerful remembrance.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. will be the principal celebrant and homilist of a Mass to celebrate the beatification of Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Click the article title for more information and a link to the live streaming of the Mass.
This weekend, because Our Lady of Sorrows is the co-patroness of our parish, we will be using the texts of Our Lady's Mass. Let us gather with joy to thank Our Lady for her maternal care and implore her continued intercession for our parish family.
Because the Solemnity of the Assumption falls on a Saturday this year (August 15), the obligation to assist at Mass is lifted. However, the faithful are encouraged to attend Mass, especially as the Blessed Mother is the patroness of our Diocese under the title of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
This is to invite churches , prayer leaders, worship leaders, families, all God's people, to lift up a "Sacrifice of Praise" wherever you are for 50 minutes or 50 hours between Thursday, July 2 at 5:00 PM and Saturday, July 4, at 7:00 PM. Click the article title for a link to more information.
The 9:00 AM Mass on July 4th will be live streamed on YouTube, for all who want to participate over the internet. Thank you Fr. Jean for all your help with these technical productions!
The limits placed upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic do not allow us to render homage to St. Anthony, our parish co-patron, as we would like. A Mass will be live streamed from Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 11:00 AM on this parish solemnity, Saturday, June 13. May this great preacher and Doctor of the Church intercede for us and draw us ever closer to the Lord.
His Excellency, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. will celebrate a Mass on June 17 for all faithful of the Diocese who died during the pandemic period when churches were closed and individual Masses of Christian Burial could not take place. The Mass is offered for those who died of any cause, not only COVID-19. The Mass will be live streamed. Click the article title for details.
Please join us at 9 AM on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), as we live-stream Mass (on the parish YouTube channel) in loving memory of all who gave their lives in the service of our country.
Have you always wanted to walk where Jesus walked? See the places He saw? Get closer to the mind and heart of Jesus? Join us on a Parish Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Msgr. Gervasio and Fr. Jean will lead us as spiritual directors, as we get together as a parish group to tour the Holy Land.
Please remember that the graces and Plenary Indulgence attached to Divine Mercy Sunday is obtainable even during this time of Coronavirus. The homebound should make an Act of Perfect Contrition prior to viewing a televised Mass on that day. At the time of Communion an Act of Spiritual Communion should be prayed. The plenary indulgence should also include a prayer for the Holy Father’s Intentions. A Sacramental Confession should follow as soon as possible, once diocesan and civil restrictions are lifted.
Around sunset (7:32 PM) on Holy Saturday evening, while Paschal Candles are being lit at Easter Vigils, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Trenton are invited to safely display a lighted candle (such as those used at Christmas) in the window of their homes, as a symbol of our unity with Catholics throughout the world.
Divine Mercy Sunday this year is celebrated on April 19. Please remember that the graces and Plenary Indulgence attached to Divine Mercy Sunday is obtainable even during this time of Coronavirus. Click on the article title to see the complete information.