No Saturday (evening) and Sunday masses until further notice due to Coronavirus Outbreak! Church is open for you to pray but please maintain social distancing.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the Archbishop of Newark, celebrated Mass in a small Newark chapel last March 15, 2020 for a live social media broadcast intended to nourish the faithful effected by the suspension of Sunday Mass amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Here is the recorded video if you missed the mass.
The Cardinal also offered words of hope and reassurance to those who are confused or frightened amid the Coronavirus pandemic. He said that fear of the unknown is natural. Here is the link.
You can download the latest copy of the Sunday Bulletin here.
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
Greetings in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ!
I cannot believe we are halfway to Holy Week. I hope and pray that we are all trying our best to be faithful to our Lenten resolutions. Our readings this weekend tell us to come back to the Lord, the source of true life. May we all listen attentively to what God is telling us and may we keep receiving the Eucharist, the food for the journey that leads to everlasting life.
Easter is just around the corner, just four weeks away. You have done so well in the past in supporting your parish with your prayers and financial offerings. Once again, we are knocking on the doors of your heart to do the same.
This Easter, we are asking every family or household here at OLM to support the parish with a gift of $200. That would be greatly appreciated. We have been able to do significant repairs in our buildings because of your generosity. Of course, there are more repairs and works to be done.
We are so blessed to have parishioners like you who care for the community. In the name of the staff, I thank you for that past support. Your presence at Mass and your financial gifts speak of your love for your church. We keep praying that God will wonderfully bless you with everything you need in this life.
Regarding the Coronavirus, please be assured that we are trying our best to keep everyone safe. As you may remember, I put information in last Sunday’s Pastor’s Column about the directive that Cardinal Tobin, our Archbishop, sent to all parishes.
Our maintenance department is sanitizing the whole church building and offices every day. We have placed hand sanitizers in the church entrances there for your use. We ask you to constantly wash your hands, before and after church services.
If you are sick or have chronic illnesses, please stay home and come to Mass when you are fully recovered. Let us help one another by doing what we can for the good and safety of ourselves and others. Your utmost cooperation is truly needed.
Thank you and God bless us all!
Love,
+Father Marty
A PRAYER FOR THIS TIME OF CONCERN
Almighty and Merciful Father, who show your love to all your creation, we come before you in prayer asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently shaking our world.
Graciously hear the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of our earth. Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the deceased, and consolation to those suffering the loss of loved ones.
We pray that an effective medicine be speedily found to combat this sickness We pray that Governments and Health Authorities take appropriate actions for the good of their people. Look upon us in your mercy, forgive us our failings, and grant us your help.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen