OLM Wellness Ministry: Flu Vaccine Q&A with Drs. Norie and Rey Ramos
From the Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope and pray that you are all doing well and safe.
First, congratulations to the Traina and Reyes families on the baptism of their children. With the guidance of their parents and godparents, may Stella Marie Traina and Gabriel Joaquin Reyes grow in their faith in God. May our parish always be there to support them.
Secondly, in the name of our staff, I would like to thank all those who went an extra mile in making our two festivities, the feasts of OLM and San Lorenzo Ruiz, special. As you know, large gatherings for fiestas and other events in person are not permitted. All those special events, such as concerts, prayer services and greetings, were done virtually. I understand it is not easy for people to put such presentations together, but they did it. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! May God bless you with good gifts.
Our readings this weekend clearly tell us that God sent His only Begotten Son to teach us how to live our lives and to bear good fruit. The fruit that the gospel is referring to are good deeds. We are all called to love God and love and respect one another. That is the way to receive salvation in Christ Jesus.
Let us not miss that message! We need to take it seriously. With the health crisis we are experiencing due to the pandemic, life is uncertain. Sometimes life can end suddenly, and we are on to the next life. So, we have to ask ourselves whether or not we are ready.
Brothers and sisters, God is always waiting for us and ready to embrace us anytime we come to him. He is compassionate and loving and merciful when we ask forgiveness for our sins, no matter how big or small our sins are. Do not delay, go to God before it is too late.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who support our parish in prayer and financially. I know that you send your financial help in many different ways (placing them in our donation box or in the parish mailbox, or sending them by mail or through your bank, or giving online through GoFundMe, etc.), please know that we receive them and we are deeply grateful. May God continue to bless you.
Please check out other matters in our bulletin and website.
Thank you and God bless each and every one of you!
Love,
Father Marty
Baptisms at OLM Last Sunday
Two children were baptized by our pastor, Father Marty, last Sunday afternoon, September 27. May the Lord bless them and may their parents, godparents, and family members help these two children to grow in the Catholic faith and as members of God’s Church.
with her parents, Justin and Stacey, and her two brothers.
GABRIEL JOAQUIN REYES
with his parents, Dennis and Chona, and his three brothers.
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 Program Dates
- 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!