Statement on the Death of Most Reverend John J. Myers, J.C.D., D.D., Archbishop Emeritus of Newark
The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy:
What Do You Love About OLM?
The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy Virtual Talent Show
“Faith Over Fear”
Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy,
I hope and pray that you are all doing well and are safe.
It is amazing to see you coming back to church and celebrating Mass together as a parish family. Every week I notice that there are “new” familiar faces coming back after sheltering in place due to this pandemic.
For the first time, the numbers so increased at our 12 Noon Mass to the point that we had another Mass in the Maria Room. It makes me think that you are beginning to feel more comfortable in being with one another – although we are six feet or so apart from each other. It does feel great to see you in person.
This weekend our faith community is celebrating the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, patron of our parish. This is as good a time as any, first and foremost, to thank Mama Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, for all the blessings we have received from God through her intercession.
And secondly, to ask ourselves how we have been carrying out the works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual. So, do we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick or imprisoned, ransom the captive, and bury the dead? Do we instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish the sinner, patiently deal with those who wrong us, forgive offenses, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead?
If we are resolved to try our best to practice those works of mercy, that would be the best gift we could ever give to the Blessed Mother as we honor her on her feast day as Our Lady of Mercy.
Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!
Happy Feast Day and God bless us all!
Love,
Father Marty
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!
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 a 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 $47,280 and $40,826 has been collected. Please be generous and supportive of this appeal. Thank you!