Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope this finds you safe and well.
I cannot believe we are already in May! Perhaps that is because we have been so caught up with trying our best to stay safe at home that we are losing track of time.
This coronavirus pandemic has been the main focus of our attention for the past few months. We have been kneeling down and begging God to keep us safe and spare us from being infected. We have been living in fear and panic, worrying about our future. Almost every day we receive more sad news about a family member or friend who has tested positive for the virus or has died.
In fact, when I said Mass this past Sunday, I was almost screaming “deliver us Lord from every evil and keep us safe from all distress!” It really does break my heart to hear sad news every day. But on the other hand, I find comfort upon hearing good news, news about someone being healed.
Brothers and sisters, as we continue with our struggles and difficulties in these challenging times, let us hold fast to our faith in God. No matter what happens, believe that there is a God. Let us not allow ourselves to be separated from Him, the source of all that is good and holy. He is the Good Shepherd who keeps calling all of us to follow his voice and enter through his gate. He said in our Gospel this weekend that he will save us. (John 10: 1-10).
We continue to pray for God’s healing touch on those who are sick, that they may be restored to good health. For those who have died, may they be welcomed into heaven. We pray for those who are on the front lines, risking their lives to save others. May they be protected and given more strength to keep doing what they are doing.
Meanwhile, as we journey through life, let us try our best to support one another in every way we can. Please support your parish community as well. We do not know when this health crisis will be over. We do not know when we will be going back to normal – if we ever get back to normal. But we must live and face reality every day. With whatever way your second family, OLM parish. I know that you pray for OLM because of your love for your parish. Please continue to do so.
In this month of May, let us ask Mama Mary’s intercession for us. And let us pray:
Hail, holy Queen,
Mother of mercy,
hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry,
the children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping
in this land of exile.
Turn, then,
most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
lead us home at last
and show us
the blessed fruit
of your womb, Jesus:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
As I remind you each week, BE SAFE and STAY HOME!
Love,
Father Marty
Mass Intention for May 1, 2020 Memorial Mass for Deceased Family and Friends of OLM Parishioners Who Died from March 15-30
In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest.
(Click here for the names of our dearly departed)
Update from Roman Catholic Church
of the Archdiocese of Newark
NEW DIRECTIVES effective March 25, 2020:
- Wakes and funerals must be postponed until further notice. There are no exceptions to this, regardless of the size of the group. Burials may take place with only the priest.
- All baptisms must be postponed until further notice with the exception of an extreme emergency.
- All weddings are postponed until further notice.
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation is suspended until further notice with the exception of an extreme emergency.
- All churches and adoration chapels must be closed and locked until further notice. Private prayer in any parish building must be discontinued until further notice.
- Parish offices must be closed until further notice. Employees who provide essential services should be limited and on staggered schedules.
- Pastors should see that the Blessed Sacrament is renewed in tabernacles regularly from celebrations of private Masses.