THANKFUL THURSDAY
We are frontliners in our own way… Doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, cashiers, business owners, drivers, technicians, teachers, therapists, priests, caregivers, fathers, mothers, home bakers, homemakers, etc… whatever it is that we do, we have all been to the front lines these past months- protecting our family and community… in our own way… in a very special way… Thus, Our Lady of Mercy would like to THANK YOU.
Click here to watch the slideshow.
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope and pray that you are all doing well and safe.
This weekend we are celebrating the feast of All Saints! In our second reading we are told, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God. Yet so we are.” (1 John 3:1).
By virtue of our baptism, we are children of God. Because of that we have reason to be happy and joyful, unworthy though we may be. Yes, we are fortunate to be children of God in Christ Jesus. As children totally dependent on God, we should be united in our love for Him.
Let us not seek after material things, fame, or power. We must work together for the good of each other and seek to live in peace and harmony within ourselves and with one another, What a wonderful world it would be if we could do that!
Also, in our Gospel for All Saints Day, we have a list of those who are truly blessed. Jesus tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.” (Mathew 5:3-11)
We have heard that passage many times, but have we truly heard it and followed it? If not, God is giving us another chance to listen to it and act on it right now!
In addition, I encourage you to view the video on our parish website (olmnj.org) that shows several little children of our parish telling us the ways they show their love of God and neighbor. In the name of our parish, I thank them and their parents for their effort. I also thank Jeng Villa and her team for putting the video together.
Brothers and sisters, as the end of this liturgical year comes closer, let us strive to live our Christian vocation by loving God above all things and loving our brothers and sisters. Let us strive to change for the better. With the help of God and one another, we can!
Next weekend, November 7 & 8, a speaker from Cross Catholic Outreach will be at OLM to challenge us to put our love of God and neighbor into action. This Catholic organization partners with bishops, priests, religious and lay workers around the globe to provide food, water, housing, education, orphan support, medical care, elderly care, disaster relief, as well as and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the poorest of the poor in 28 countries around the world.
On a different note, I ask you to pray for a peaceful election this week. We ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts and minds.
Also, pay attention to what is happening in our parish and take advantage of the opportunities we offer you for your spiritual nourishment and growth.
God bless each and every one of you and Happy All Saints Day!
Love,
Father Marty
Pope’s November Prayer Intention
Artificial Intelligence. That the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.
Fighting The Flu at OLM!
Last Sunday, October 25, the Wellness Committee of our parish partnered with Walgreen’s Pharmacy to administer flu shots here in our parish. Some 27 parishioners took advantage of this opportunity. Walgreen’s provided vouchers that allowed those without insurance to receive the vaccine free of charge.
Wellness Committee Members, John Payumo, Rachel Slaiman, Kathleen Pormento, and Father Tom pose with Dr. Seth Asamoah (center) from Walgreen’s Pharmacy who inoculated our parishioners without causing the slightest pain!
A Prayer for Election Day
Eternal God, Judge of all, before whom we stand at this point in our history, look with mercy on our nation at this time of decision.
May we choose leaders of integrity, courage, compassion, and vision. Bless those who will be elected with a spirit of understanding and make them wise in serving our nation and its people.
Guide us during these final days of this election season. Put into our hearts a greater love of our neighbor that the divisions of our nation may be healed, and truth and justice may be firmly established among us all. May we truly be one nation under your guidance and protection. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Baptism at OLM
One baby boy was baptized by Father Marty last Sunday afternoon, October 25. May the Lord bless
João Emilio Laguyan Alexandre and his parents, Annabelle and Felipe Alexandre
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.
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 $50,150 and $46,466 has been collected. Please support this appeal.