Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy:
I hope all is doing well.
This is a season of CONGRATULATIONS!
I received a letter last Saturday (May 20) from the Archbishop, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, informing me that he appointed Reverend Thomas C. Roberts (also known as Father Tom) Administrator of Our Lady of Sorrows effective July 1st, 2017. So, to Our Lady of Sorrows community: I am happy that Father Tom Roberts is your new shepherd because he knows you and you know him. I wish Father Tom all the best in his new role, leading the two communities of Our Lady of Sorrows and Christ The King. Congratulations Father Tom Roberts!
This weekend, the Archdiocese of Newark ordained seven men to the Order of Presbyter or Priesthood. It is of great joy to the Roman Catholic Church, in general, and to the Archdiocese of Newark, in particular, having more priests. One of them is our very own Reverend Jesus Carlo L. Merino, also known as “JC.” He is originally from the Philippines. After a long journey (from the Philippines to Spain, went back to the Philippines and then came here in the USA) he finally got ordained on May 27, 2017 by Archbishop Cardinal Joseph Tobin. In the name of Father “JC” I welcome to our community the Merino family (his father Luis and relatives) and his friends both from near and far. Let us assist Father JC in his ministry with our prayers, love and care and with whatever we can do. Congratulations Father JC Merino!
I also congratulate Kevin Freyre, the newly baptized boy at Our Lady of Mercy this past weekend. The community is happy to have another addition to the Christian world. With his parents and godparents we assist him by our prayers as he grows to love God and all the people of God.
Another word of Congratulations to new altars servers at Our Lady of Mercy, installed this past weekend. May they serve as ministers of the altar faithfully, practice what they believe and do by the way they live their every day lives. It is of great joy to see people stepping up to serve God and our community.
Last but not the least, Congratulations to all the graduates! May you be blessed with what you need as you go on to the next level of your life.
On another note, I encourage you all to avail the opportunities our communities offer for you. Check out what is happening and participate. So far we have quite a few events going on. Then comes summertime. We will have a summer break to recharge and have more energy for the coming new school year.
Thank you and God bless you all!
Love,
+Father Marty