Dear Parishioners:

I am happy to share with you the long-awaited and welcome news that we shall return to the public celebration of Mass and the other Sacraments BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020. However, we are not returning to a full restoration of our liturgical life just yet. Owing to the very serious public health concerns that COVID-19 still presents, this return will take place gradually—in phases.  Phase I was the opening of our church for private prayer only. 

Phase II provides for the LIMITED celebration of the Mass and Sacraments which is detailed in the document attached to this email and/or posted on our parish website and Facebook page.   Please take the time to carefully read the Bishop’s directives since this move is not a matter of merely “opening the doors and switching on the lights.”  We must prepare our churches to meet the various norms that are mandatory to safeguard the health of all.  This means that coming to church during Phase II will be very different from what we are accustomed. Change can be hard.   While sacrifices and inconveniences will be called for, let’s keep in mind the advice of St. Francis De Sales:  “What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love and an ocean of patience”….qualities we need on our journey together. 

Here are just a few things we can expect during Phase II:

• The number of Masses is limited.  We shall not follow our full, regular schedule.

• Attendance is limited.   We cannot accommodate everyone.

• A Reservation must be made to attend—necessary for fairness and good order.

• The wearing of masks is mandatory.

• Seating will be arranged in accord with the required social distancing.

• There will no congregational singing, but a cantor will sing. 

• Hymnals will be removed and no “handouts” will be provided.

• Our churches will have to be sanitized after every Mass.

With affection,
Msgr. Gervasio

Happy Pentecost!

On this day, often called the “Birthday of the Church,” which brings to a solemn close our Easter Celebration, let us renew our baptismal promises and proclaim with love: I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

The Holy Spirit is often called the “Soul of the Church” and, not surprisingly to those who know me, I found a challenging reflection for Pentecost in the writings of Fr. Henri Nouwen:

“How does the Spirit of God manifest itself through us? Often we think that to witness means to speak up in defense of God. This idea can make us very self-conscious. We wonder where and how we can make God the topic of our conversations and how to convince our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues of God’s presence in their lives. The way God’s Spirit manifests itself most convincingly is through its fruit: ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ (Gal. 5:22) These fruit speak from themselves. It is therefore, always better to raise the question, ‘How can I grow in the Spirit?’ than the question, ‘How can I make others believe in the Spirit?’

A good question to consider on Pentecost!

The scammers are at it again! If you receive the email message below

Let me know if you are not occupied at the moment, I need you to do me a favor real quick. Email me back immediately you receive this message.

(or anything similar), purportedly from Monsignor Gervasio (or any other OLS-SA staff member), please do not respond to it. Instead, report it to the Hamilton Township police.

Please visit www.ols-sa.org/news/warning for more information.
 

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the norms of the U.S. Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.  If you have been sexually abused as a minor by anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.  Such allegations are reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.