OLM Church is open for private prayer each day from 1 to 3pm only. Face masks and social distancing are required. Please use the main doors of the church. Confessions are available from 1 to 1:30pm.
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope this finds you safe and well.
During the readings of the past few days, we have been hearing the promise of Jesus to send us the Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, that will help us in all our needs. We first received the Holy Spirit on the day we were baptized. As we celebrate this feast of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, let us keep living with even stronger conviction that God’s Holy Spirit is within us to give us strength and energy and to fight the evil in this world.
In this difficult situation we are in, may we not lose our hope and trust in the Lord who never abandons us. In the Gospel today, we heard the Lord once again, telling us, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). We strongly believe that promise, maybe more than ever because of many realizations and lessons we have learned during this current coronavirus pandemic. Things around us are full of uncertainties. For example, we do not know what is going to happen after the reopening of businesses, including churches. We do not know what our future holds. But one thing is certain, God is with us all the time!
These coming days are special for many of us priests and deacons in the Archdiocese of Newark. This is the time when most of us celebrate our ordination anniversaries. Saying that, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Father Tom, Father Nol (once again), Father Butchie, Deacon Meynard and all priests and deacons of the Archdiocese many more years in their ministry. May we, myself included, all be strengthened and blessed by God’s abiding presence in all we do for the good of God’s holy people, especially in these challenging times in the history of our Church. Happy anniversary!
Brothers and sisters, please pray for your priests and deacons. We definitely need your support and prayers.
We cannot do what we do without you. Rest assured that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
As you know, this past week we reopened the church for your private prayer. So far, so good. On the first day of reopening, Monday, I could see the hunger in your faces. I could see how you missed your church. It feels good to see and know that. It demonstrates your love for God, the Church, and one another. We miss you all, too.
As we move along, let us be extra careful in keeping ourselves safe. Follow all the precautionary measures. We post all required signs around the church. We do our best to warn you. Please do your part. Wear masks when entering and staying in church. Maintain distance from one another. Refrain from touching statues and the tabernacle. Use hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently. Do not come to church if you are sick or vulnerable. Staying home is a big help for yourself and the safety of others.
Also, please continue to send your financial support to the parish. I thank all those who have been doing that these past weeks. Your contributions help a lot.
Last but not least, we join all the people of our nation in praying for those who died while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. May they rest in peace. May we remember their sacrifices with grateful appreciation.
Happy Memorial Day!
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)