Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy:
Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
This past week was a busy week for different celebrations here in our community. One of them was Father Nol’s twenty-fifth ordination to the priesthood anniversary (as mentioned in my last week’s column) and the other celebrations were a baptism of our Pastoral Council president John Flora’s daughter, Kennedy Elizabeth and six children who received their First Holy Communion. To all of them, Congratulations! May we assist them with our love and prayers as they grow and continue to journey on in discovering and learning more about their faith in God and their love of God and neighbors.
As you all know it, I just got back from the Philippines for family duty. I know it is not too late yet to express my gratitude to all of you dear parishioners for your super abundant generosity on Easter, that is, the Easter gifts to the parish. In the name of the whole staff, I thank you! God bless your generous hearts.
This weekend we are reminded by the Gospel passage to bear fruit in whatever we do in this life and of how we need to be always connected with the “true vine” who is Jesus Our Lord. We cannot live nor do things on our own. Let us try our best to keep that in mind no matter how young or old are we. The truth is, we will always be a failure if we solely rely everything on our own strength and capability. Jesus said: ‘… without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
God bless you all!
Love,
+Father Marty
Please pray for the sick:
Paul Calefati, Elaine Staltari, Othelia G. Laurena, Jean Karycinski, Dorothy Darcy, Erlinda Jacinto, Leonora Loyola, Eric Bautista, Lilian Kryczkowski, Ellen Iorio, Jessica Pavone, Ian Malesiewski, Ruben Catipon, Angela Salvador, Clarita Salvador, Teresita Cordon , Vincent Mastria, Maria Svaligma, Bill Macchi, Craig Rutkowski, James Seaman, Manuel J.Juson, MD, Gina Marquez, Daniel Tamayo Santos, Marie Ronzitti, Lucia Vanderburg, Betty Scerbo, Philip Scerbo, Alejandra Ancheta, Cindy Popolo, Oscar Alladin, Antonio Roldan, Esperanza Galarza, Susan Ranola Rivera, John Broderick, Joanne Diaz, Ligaya Tan, Leonarda DeCarlo, Dolores Steinhauser, Eugenio Cacananta, Austin Macalintal, Eduviges Ledesma, Carolyn Taliaferro, Nonong Dava, John Gaito, Elsa Concepcion, Ricardo Vales, Virginia T. Mercurio, James Leung, Tran Phouc, Sophia Gonzalez, Jocelyn Tuazon, Edgardo Cruz, Mark Dudek, Eugene Manlongat, Sandra M. Escoto, Marcelita S. Fusco, Clement Rodriguez, Genedina B. Mohan, Luke Dee, Rosario Bernabe, Renato Caguioa, Raquel Yapp, Roberto Yapp, Armando Gloria, Terry Neurbauer, Grace Arceo, Ivan Jesus Romero, Joycelyn Basa-Gill, Waddy Ancheta, Zosima Ulba.
RENEWING THE SPIRIT!
A Workshop for All Liturgical Ministers at OLM
Saturday Morning, May 12
Whenever we decide to try something new, we usually do so with enthusiasm and excitement. But over time, that initial enthusiasm can diminish. What we once enjoyed and looked forward to doing, can become routine and burdensome.
That can even happen when it comes to liturgical ministry. The initial enthusiasm we had when we began to serve as a lector, special minister of Holy Communion, cantor, choir member, church musician, usher, greeter, or altar server can diminish over time. Liturgical ministers need to take time to renew the spirit of service, joy, and excitement that they felt when they first began to serve at Mass.
We invite all liturgical ministers of our parish to join the liturgical ministers from the parishes of Deanery Twelve for a time of reflection and renewal. It will take place Saturday, May 12, here at our parish in the Maria Room. The workshop will begin at 10:30 am and conclude at 1:30 pm. It will include lunch.
This workshop will explore the reasons why our enthusiasm and dedication can diminish over time and suggest ways to keep and increase our spirit of service and dedication.
We strongly encourage all our liturgical ministers to take advantage of this special opportunity, Saturday, May 12, starting at 10:30 am. The workshop will be led by Father Tom Iwanowski. So that we can plan for lunch, please let us know you are coming by contacting Chit De La Rama (chitdelarama@gmail.com or 201-745-5789) You can also register by contacting Father Tom (FatherTom2013@gmail.com) or calling the Parish Office (201-434-7500).
Mother & (Adult) Daughter Retreat
May 11-13, 2018 (Mother’s Day Weekend)
Marianist Family Retreat Center
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Cost: $135 per person
Knowing that your relationship is special, and need to nurture it throughout the years, this is a wonderful opportunity to walk upon common ground while celebrating your differences. Eucharist, small group sharing, prayer experiences, socials and fun are included – beach walks, too! Sign up online at www.capemaymarianists.org or call 609-884-3829 for more information.
Try Something New This Summer at Seton Hall
Looking to enrich your summer? It’s a great time to earn extra credits, pursue a special interest, or study abroad. Seton Hall University offers summer classes for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals interested in learning new skills. You can study on campus, online or in several overseas locations. Students can explore everything from Interactive Marketing to Digital Art and Design, and from Christian Ethics to Real Estate Finance. Rising high school juniors and seniors may engage in university-level coursework while earning college credit at a discounted tuition rate. Among the pre-college courses Seton Hall offers are: Oral Communication, Economics and Introduction to Psychology. To learn more about Seton Hall’s exciting summer programs, visit our website www.shu.edu/summer