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
How Young People Learn
10-17-2021Fr. Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L.Dear Friend,
“Teaching is the inculcation of the incomprehensible into the minds of the ignorant by the means of the incompetent...is the transfer of material from the teacher's notes to the student's notebook, without it going through either's minds.” (Pope John Paul I)
READ MOREEveryday Stewardship
Do you reflect God's love and mercy?
10-17-2021“For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
If you held a mirror up to your life, would it reflect God’s love and mercy? If you are struggling with this, try changing your attitude from “I want more” to "thank you God for everything you have given me, I have enough to share.” This change in perspective will bring you joy through service to others. Pray daily to become less self-centered and to become more God-centered.
READ MOREGospel Meditation
God's Definition of Success
10-17-2021© LPi"What do you wish me to do for you?” Whether we realize it, this is a question God is always asking. It’s an important question because the answer we provide will reveal a great deal about where our hearts lie. Our requests of God can often appear very noble and altruistic. They consist of requests for healing for someone in need of prayers, successful resolution of a personal conflict, assistance in overcoming a disease and myriad other desires for both ourselves and others. We are especially concerned about those we love and can easily find ourselves bringing their struggles to God for a hearing in our prayer.
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.
