Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope this finds you safe and well.
Our gospel passage this weekend challenges us to work harder at strengthening and building up our faith and trust in God. Consider the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel. She begged Jesus to heal her daughter who was tormented by a demon. In the end, Jesus granted her wish because of her persistence. She kept on asking.
I believe that we can all relate to that woman. In this health crisis caused by the coronavirus, we are desperately knocking on heaven’s door asking God to help us. We keep praying that He will watch over us, protect us from all evil, and keep us from being infected. We especially pray for our loved ones, friends, and all those who have been infected with the disease.
There may be times when we are ready to give up. It is understandable, especially if we are tired of working and making ends meet. But brothers and sisters, let us not stop begging God to grant us what we need. Be persistent and do not lose hope no matter how long we might have to wait to receive what we ask for. Remember, in time, we shall overcome these challenges. Saint James put it so well: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).
Let us hold up one another in prayer. It won’t hurt if we can also lend a hand to those in need in a material and tangible way.
Also, it will be of great help if you can spread the word to your neighbors and friends that our church is open for Mass. With all the precautionary measures we are taking, tell them that it is alright to come and celebrate the Eucharist with their parish family.
Thank you so much!
Take care of yourselves by staying safe and well.
God bless you all!
Love,
Father Marty
First Communions at Our Parish Last Weekend
Because of the closure of our church to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the children who were preparing to receive First Communion this past May were unable to do so. The children are now receiving their First Communion during the month of August at our 5 pm and 12 noon Masses. RYLAN, EMILIA, and ANTHONY shared at the Table of the Lord this past weekend, August 8 & 9.
Sher Ann (mother), RYLAN, Reenan (brother), Ristan (brother), Ritchie (father), Ronan (brother) NEPOMUCENO
Anna (mother), JV (father), Tyler (brother) EMILIA TUAZON
Anderson (father) ANTHONY, Danielle (mother), Vita (sister) MINYETTY
Married at Our Parish
Jonathan Conlin & Regine Agcaoili (daughter of Ray and Gina Agcaoili) Celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage here at OLM (Saturday, August 8). Father Marty, our pastor, officiated at the ceremony. May the Lord bless the newly weds with a lifetime of happiness!
Confession Schedule
We have resumed our usual schedule for the Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation. One of the priests is available for confessions Monday through Saturday, following the 8:30 am Mass. Confessions are heard from 9 am to 9:30 am in the daily Mass chapel. Use the door located in the church vestibule.
The Sacrament of Baptism
We have resumed the celebration of Baptisms. They are now being celebrated on designated Sunday afternoons. To inquire about a baptism, contact the parish office (201-434-7500). Deacon Meynardo Espeleta, who coordinates our baptism program, will then be in touch with more information.