PLEASE NOTE: Thanksgiving Day (9 am), Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve Vigil (4 pm) Masses will be available on our Parish YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIn6v6sCluEVbAHfBqQl5g

Dear Parishioners:

On this final Sunday of the liturgical year, we honor Christ the King. Some years ago, I came across a work of Giovanni Papini. He was an atheist and quite a controversial author in his early days. In his later years, he became a passionate Christian and wrote a “Life of Christ” which he concluded with the following prayer that seems appropriate as we celebrate today’s solemnity:

You are still with us, every day among us! And you will remain with us always. Jesus, you see our need…We do not cry out to you for the satisfaction of being able to see you as did the people of Galilee, nor for the joy of being able to look into your eyes, nor for the foolish thought of winning you over with our prayer. We do not ask for the great descent from the glory of heaven, nor the brilliance of the Transfiguration, nor the sound of angels and the sublime liturgy of the final coming. We desire only you, your person, your poor, pierced and wounded body, with its poor working man’s shirt. We want to see those eyes that pierce through the heart and heal the wounds of resentment when they look upon us with tenderness. We want to hear your voice that terrified demons but so sweet and strong as to captivate children. You know how great our need for your glance and your word is. You know how your mere glance can overwhelm and calm our souls, and how your voice can draw us out from the prison of our great misery. You know more deeply than us how your Presence is urgent and cannot be delayed in this age that does not know you.

Christus Vincit! Christus Regnat! Christus Imperat!

Christ Conquers! Christ Reigns! Christ Rules!

With affection,

Msgr. Gervasio

Dear Parishioners,

My update comes to you on the heels of what is arguably one of the most tumultuous elections in our history. At this writing, one side of the political divide rejoices in an all but certain election of a new president. The other side is seeking to readdress voting irregularities. Whichever side prevails it is important for us to cultivate mutual respect and the unity necessary to work for the common good. Let us pray for all our civil authorities so that they may be always men and women of integrity and who seek the good of all citizens. Let us also resolve to remain involved in the public forum, to lend our own voices to the public discourse.
 

When Negative News Is Actually Positive!

This past weekend I informed our parish via our website and email that I was tested for COVID-19 as a precaution for possible exposure to the virus since a liturgical minister had tested positive. I have been notified that the result was “negative.” Two members of our parish staff were also tested and were also told that they tested “negative.” I am very grateful for this news. Cases are rising rapidly in our area and we keep in our prayers our parishioners and all those who have contracted the virus. May they recover quickly!Our School—Cautious & Careful About COVID
 

Religious Education Program

We salute our DRE, Mariyam Francis and our dedicated catechists and parents. From all reports, our program which is totally virtual is moving along well. The transition from “in person” to virtual, online learning is a challenge to be sure but everyone is taking it up with patience and fortitude! Online Parent meetings for candidates for First Penance/ Communion and Confirmation were well attended.
 

Giving Tuesday 2020

On December 1, Catholic schools from across the Diocese of Trenton are participating in Giving Tuesday, the global day of charitable giving that follows Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday is a day of charity that fosters connection and generosity, which helps you bring real change to your community. 100% of the monies raised through this campaign will go directly to the Catholic school that you specify in your donation. Help support our Catholic Schools this Giving Tuesday by sharing your resources—make a donation to the Catholic school of your choice; pledge to volunteer your time at a school; or share a prayer in support of Catholic education!  Visit www.LeadinFaith.org to learn more and show your support!

Status of OLS Elevator Modernization

The material needed for project will arrive by the end of this month. While we hope the work would begin soon thereafter, we cannot guarantee that the elevator will be operational by Christmas.
 

Christmastide 2020-2021 Schedule

Confessions
Tues., Dec. 15 & Thurs., Dec. 17
7:00 pm: Our Lady of Sorrows
Sat., Dec. 19
After 9:00 am Mass: Our Lady of Sorrows
2:45 – 3:30 pm: St Anthony
Tues., Dec. 22
7:00 pm: Our Lady of Sorrows

Solemnity of Christmas

Vigil: Thursday, December 24
Our Lady of Sorrows
2:00, 4:00; 6:00, & 10:00 pm
All Masses are in Church only.
St. Anthony
2:00 & 4:00 pm (English); 10:00 pm (Creole)

Friday, December 25
Our Lady of Sorrows: 9:00 & 11:00 am
St. Anthony: 9:30 am

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
New Year’s Day

Vigil:  Thursday, December 31
Our Lady of Sorrows: 4:00 pm
St. Anthony: 4:00 pm

Friday, January 1
Our Lady of Sorrows: 11:00 am
St. Anthony: 9:30 am (English); 5:00 pm (Creole)

PLEASE NOTE:  4 p.m. Masses on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve will be livestreamed on the parish YouTube channel at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIn6v6sCluEVbAHfBqQl5g

Minor Repairs/ Upgrade at St. Anthony Campus

A recent accident damaged the parking lot fencing. We have contracted for its repair with insurance covering some of the cost. We are nearing completion of upgrades to lighting both inside and outside the church. We have been transitioning to cost-effective LED.
 

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.

The scammers are at it again! If you receive an email message like the one 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, Fr. Joseph (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 elevator at Our Lady of Sorrows Church is temporarily out of order, leaving no handicapped-accessible entrance there, until the repair company can obtain parts.

In the meantime, the elevator is working at St. Anthony Church, so those needing handicap access can attend Sunday Mass there at 4:00 PM on Saturday, or 9:30 AM on Sunday. The 11:00 Mass will continue to be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, as well as the daily Masses at 9:00, but the church will not be accessible to those who cannot go up and down stairs.We will let you know as soon as the elevator is repaired!