Statement on the Death of Most Reverend John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of Newark
The Life of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope and pray that you are all doing well and safe.
In the name of the whole parish, I want to thank all of you who made an extra effort to make last weekend’s feast of Our Lady of Mercy something special.
Thank you Jeng Villa and Jayvee Dacasin for putting together two videos: “What Do You Love About OLM” and the “Faith over Fear Talent Show.” Thank you to Michael Rivera for producing a virtual prayer service. You can find the videos on our website (olmnj.org) and our Facebook page.
A big thank you to all those who shared their talents, prayers, and greetings in those videos! You really made Mama Mary and the whole parish community happy and you performed a great act of service. I thank all our parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Mercy for your participation in our feast day. Your presence both in person and virtually says a lot. You contributed to making last weekend memorable.
My prayer for all of you is that you will continue to be of service and that God will bless you always with all things good. May Our Lady of Mercy Parish always be a welcoming, joyful, and prayerful community. Remember that you are the people of God who embody Our Lady of Mercy Parish. May you and I show forth the name of our parish by the way we conduct our everyday lives with mercy, kindness, and compassion.
This leads me to bring your attention to our readings this weekend. I love what Saint Paul asks us to do in our second reading: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” (Philippians 2:3).
Then he admonishes us to “have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 2:4). This is what we all should be doing. This is the right attitude we should have. And not just those of us who serve in a particular ministry (or ministries for some of us), but for all of us, for all the people of God. Let us ask God to help us do what we should in living out a good Christian life.
Also, may San Lorenzo Ruiz intercede for us as we celebrate his feast day tomorrow, September 28. Happy San Lorenzo Ruiz feast day!
I would like to end this letter by asking you to always read our bulletin and to visit our parish website olmnj.org. There you will find other announcements concerning our parish and Archdiocesan events, and videos done by different ministries here at OLM. These things will help us to grow in our spiritual life, to de-stress during this pandemic, and to animate our souls. They are all done well! So please visit our website regularly.
Thank you and God bless each and everyone of you!
Love,
Father Marty
Baptism at OLM Last Sunday
One baby was baptized by Father Marty last Sunday, September 20. May the Lord bless Ethan Anthony Normandia and the members of his family.
(Steven & Dawn Normandia with Ethan Anthony and their other children, Gianna Marie and Donnie James.)
Sign Up Today For Our 2020-2021
Faith Formation Program
Our registration for Grades 1-8 Faith Formation is now open! The program this year will be VIRTUAL. We will abide by the guidelines and make adjustments in the future should in-person gatherings be allowed. For now, your family’s safety is our priority. We will utilize Google Classroom and other online platforms to journey with you to grow in faith. We will need the utmost cooperation and support of parents in order to navigate this “new normal”.
Kindly fill out the form from our website-– olmnj.org/olmfaithformation
Help your child to grow in his or her relationship with the Lord by having them take part in our parish program of Faith Formation. Remember, the gift of faith is the one gift that makes a person’s life better today, tomorrow, and forever!
Confirmation Update
October 4, Sunday, 2 to 4 pm, Virtual Confirmation Preparation Session on Zoom (link will be sent).
October 11, Sunday, 2 to 5pm, In Person Confirmation Preparation Session in the Maria Room followed by a rehearsal in the church.
October 18, Sunday, 3 pm Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at Mass with Bishop Manny Cruz.
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 baptism, contact the parish office (201-434-7500). Deacon Meynardo Espeleta, who coordinates our baptism program, will then be in touch with more information.
Latest Update on We Are Living Stones
The total pledged amount is now $501,372. We are at 100.65% of our goal of that $431,275 has been collected and $192,999 disbursed to the parish. These funds are for:
- Purchase and Installation of a gas generator
- Church building facade caulk sealant replacement (completed at a cost of $19,100)
- Replacement of windows on school’s 3rd floor (completed at a cost of $119,213.)
- Repairing the boiler in the school (completed at a cost of $41,675)
- Debt reduction
We remind those who have not fully paid their pledge to continue sending your payment to the We Are Living Stones Office. (171 Clifton Ave, Newark, NJ 07104-0500). May God bless your generosity.
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 $48,550 and $43,626 has been collected. Please be generous and supportive of this appeal. Thank you!