Understanding Depression
The OLM Wellness Committee invites you to view a video featuring committee members and expert guests as they discuss depression and depressive symptoms. This video will help you to recognize possible signs and symptoms in your life or in others.. Resources are available at the end of the video. Any questions or information from the video can be addressed to the Wellness Committee.
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I pray that you are all doing well and are safe.
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe! This feast was originally added to the Church’s liturgical calendar by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was a time when it was historically vital to assert the universal reign of Jesus Christ against the rising power of secular states, nationalism, and the threat of totalitarian regimes.
Pope Paul VI moved the Solemnity of Christ the King to the last Sunday before the beginning of a new liturgical year to emphasize the eschatological significance of the celebration. Today we celebrate Christ’s second coming in glory even as we get ready for the Advent season that prepares us to celebrate his first coming at Christmas.
What has that to do with us? Well, this celebration serves as a reminder and call for us to submit ourselves completely to Jesus’ dominion. Jesus is the universal king. He must reign in our minds, in our hearts, and in our bodies so that, in submission to the will of God, we will serve as instruments of God’s grace for the sanctification of the whole world.
Brothers and sisters, in virtue of our baptism, we have become followers of Christ with the name “Christian.” That means, we are brothers and sisters in Christ and heirs of God’s kingdom. We are called to follow what God commanded so we may inherit that kingdom. Sunday after Sunday we hear those commands. This Sunday is no exception. Pay attention to what God is telling us to do.
Also, please pay attention to what we have in our bulletin and announcements. Participate in our events and activities. In this pandemic, we have limited in-person engagements and meetings. What we offer is for your own spiritual nourishment. Do not starve your soul. Feed your spirit like you feed your body.
Our Giving Tree will soon be on display. Your generosity will be highly appreciated, as always. Because of the pandemic, instead of requesting particular items, we will be asking for cash donations or gift cards. Each institution that receives your donations will then buy gifts for our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
Thank you and God bless you.
Love,
Father Marty
SMALL THINGS, BIG THANKS!
What are the little things we are thankful for? In this video project, the second graders are grateful not only for the things that they have but also for the relationships that matter to them the most. Watch it here.
Our Mass Book Opens Sunday, November 29
Our 2021 Mass Book will open for your Mass Intentions on Sunday, November 29. Please note that no more than five Mass intentions may be scheduled at any one time. Besides Mass intentions, you will also be able to make donations for the sanctuary lamp and for the bread and wine used at our Masses.
The 2021 Bible Diary is Now Available!
The new edition of the Bible Diary is now available for $10 at the Parish Office after Mass or during office hours. The 2021 Bible Diary contains the assigned scripture reading for each day of the year, a reflection on the reading, and also information about the saint of day. The Bible Diary is a great help for personal daily prayer. These books also make an appreciated Christmas Gift.
Update on Shining The Light of Christ
“Shining the Light of Christ” is the theme of 2020 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 $50,600 and $47,316 has been collected. Please support this appeal.
New Update On We Are Living Stones
Our total pledged amount is now $501,472. We are at 100.65% of our goal of that $432,293 has been collected and $194,137 disbursed to the parish. We remind those who have not fully paid their pledge to continue sending your payment to the We Are Living Stones Office. (171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104-0500) God bless your generosity!