SMALL THINGS, BIG THANKS!
What are the little things we are thankful for? In this video project, the second graders are grateful not only for the things that they have but also for the relationships that matter to them the most. Watch it here.
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope and pray that you are all doing well and safe.
First of all, in the name of our community, I welcome Father Eloy Romero-Rojas of Cross Catholic Outreach! Fr. Eloy is here this weekend to speak at all Masses on behalf of the poor in developing countries. Cross Catholic Outreach was founded to create a meaningful link between parishes in America and the priests and nuns working in the Church overseas in the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Please give a nice and warm welcome with your smile and generosity.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are now in November and that means that in a few weeks we will end this liturgical year and start a new one. Yes, time flies quickly and we should stop and ask ourselves
“How have we been doing, so far?”
Since March we have been trying our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this pandemic, which we pray will end soon. Some people have been dealing with the grief of losing loved ones. Others have been coping with the coronavirus and other kinds of illnesses. And all of us have been praying hard that all these difficulties and challenges will be over soon. So please do not lose hope. Keep knocking on God’s door and asking for what you need. Let our prayer be like King David’s prayer in our Psalm this weekend: “O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.”
Also, let us ask God to help us to be like the wise virgins in this weekend’s gospel passage. May we keep working for our salvation and always be awake and ready for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we keep in mind Jesus’ words:
“Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13).
On another note, in the name of our community, I thank the Wellness Ministry for organizing the flu shot clinic two weekends ago. It was a good service to those who were able to get their flu vaccine. I also thank Jeng Villa and her team for putting together a nice video presentation as our way of saying “thank you” to the front-liners of our parish community. We will continue to pray for you.
Folks, I would like to end this short letter by urging you to keep following all the protocols, safety measures, and precautions to protect yourselves from Covid19. The second wave of the pandemic is here!
I will continue to promote and say this: the fact that we are still doing well here at Our Lady of Mercy is because we follow all the directives. You also have been doing well as obedient children of God and followers of the Church’s rules and regulations. I truly applaud you for that. Keep doing what is necessary. Wear face coverings. Keep the right distance. Sanitize your hands and follow the ushers’ directions. Our main concern is everyone’s safety! Thank you for cooperating.
God bless us all!
Love,
Father Marty
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
The OLM Holy Name Society is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit the Food Pantry sponsored by Our Lady of Sorrows Parish here in Jersey City. The food drive will take place this coming Saturday, November 14, from 9 am to 11 am.
Members of the OLM Holy Name Society will collect your donated items by the OLM bridge parking area at this time and then deliver the food to OLS Food Pantry. Please bring your donations only during the designated hours, Saturday 9 am to 11 am.
Non-perishable food items are needed such as breakfast cereal, canned goods (vegetables/fruits), pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, powdered milk, rice, soup, etc.
Monetary donations are also accepted (please make checks payable to Our Lady of Sorrows and write Food Pantry on the memo line).
Despite all the chaos these times may bring, let us remember that there will always be someone less fortunate than us. In fact, it is at these times when we must come together more than ever to assist our neighbors in need.
Baptism at OLM Last Sunday
One baby girl was baptized by Father Marty last Sunday afternoon, November 1. May the Lord bless her and the members of her family.
and her parents, Nambinh and Stephani Tran
Update on Shining The Light of Christ
“Shining the Light of Christ” is this year’s Annual Appeal that supports the mission, programs and ministries of the Archdiocese. This year’s goal for Our Lady of Mercy Parish is $42,809. There is a 100% rebate of every dollar collected above our goal. Currently, the total pledge amount is $50,150 and $46,466 has been collected. Please support this appeal.