Be On Time For Mass and Don’t Leave Early
Please make every effort to arrive at least five minutes before the beginning of Mass. If you are not able to be present in time to be seated for the readings from the Word of God, then it might be better to plan to attend the next or earlier available Mass on that day.
If we rush in just in time for Communion, then we will not have truly experienced the transforming sacrifice of Jesus. We will not have been completely nourished by the Lord’s Word and his Body. If we who love Him had been there on the day He died, would we have been late?
Please do not leave the Church before the Celebrant (priest). The Mass ends officially when the priest leaves the Church. Even then, it is usually advised you sit or kneel in silent prayer of thanksgiving or simply gaze at Jesus in the Tabernacle, smile at Him and just be joyful.
God loves you!
Statement of the New Jersey Bishops
Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass
The Pastor's Pen
God Keeps Taking my Picture
01-23-2022Fr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.I heard a story of a little girl who walked to and from school daily. The weather one morning was questionable and clouds were forming, yet she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky.
READ MOREGospel Meditation
God puts His blessing on our happiness
01-16-2022© LPiGod delights in you. How do you feel when you hear that? Delight usually comes with an exuberant flow of joy that seemingly arises from one’s toes with the expression of great glee. Reflecting upon the deep measure of joy God has in us can be a source of joy for ourselves. Delight is infectious.
READ MOREEveryday Stewardship - Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments
Share your Blessings
01-23-2022“Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared…” – Neh 8:10
Ezra’s instructions to the people show us that God does not forbid us from enjoying the good things in life. He wants us to be happy! However, God expects us to be grateful for all that He has given us and through our Stewardship to generously share our blessings with those who are in need. Now here’s the hard part to share all we have without expecting anything in return.
READ MORESunday Mass & Holy Day Obligation
It is both a precept of the Church and Church law that Catholics must worship God on Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation by participating in the Holy Mass. This follows from the fact that in the Mass it is Christ Himself who worships the Father, joining our worship to His. In no other way is it possible to adequately give thanks (eucharistia) to God for the blessings of creation, redemption and our sanctification than by uniting our offerings to that of Jesus Christ Himself.
