2/28/21 Father Owen's Bulletin Message

Dear Parishioners,
As I mentioned in my homily last weekend, confession is a very important part of Lent. This is a special time to come before God and through the action of the priest, receive the absolution that frees us from sin and strengthens us to live in a state of grace. Do remember that every Monday during Lent from 7-8:30 pm, there is a priest available in a church in our diocese (Morris, Passaic and Sussex) to hear confessions. Particularly for your convenience, Fr. Hubert will be available Monday, March 1^st and 8^th. I will be available Monday, the 15^th and 22^nd. Additionally, Fr. Hubert and I are available on Saturdays from 4-4:50 pm. On Wednesday, March 10^th, several priests will be available in the church, socially distanced, from 6-9 pm. Please look at your calendar for a time that suits you as a family or individual so that before Holy Week, we all may be in a state of grace.

Our Women’s Cornerstone are hosting “An Hour with Mary” this Thursday, March 4^th at 7:30 pm. Maureen Mahoney will give this reflection in the church. Ladies, please bring a friend to what I know will be an inspiring hour. This
reflection will also be live-streamed. We are blessed to have Maureen and Pete Mahoney in our parish. They moved here recently from St. Joseph in Mendham. Maureen was involved, led and promoted all areas of spirituality in her former parish. I am happy to welcome Maureen and our beloved Pam Moyer as the new Co-Chairs of our Women’s Cornerstone. During the transition period, they will be assisted by the Women’s Cornerstone Advisory Board , Aliki O’Neil and Barbara Santos, April Passaro, Diana Marino and Diane Heller and we thank them for their service and wonderful group team leadership. We are excited to begin the planning for our Women’s Cornerstone weekend which will take place in June, a Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. It will be held in the outdoor chapel and conclude at 5:00 p.m. on the beautiful lawns by the chapel. Because of COVID, participants will sleep at their own homes. We look forward to welcoming lots of new members and hope that you will save the date for this special time. More details will be coming soon.

As I previously mentioned to you, March 19^th is the Feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. Fr. Hubert and I will celebrate mass at 9 am and 7 pm on this Feast Day. We encourage all parishioners to see the enclosed flyer and place a living intention for a special need or in thanksgiving or an intention for a loved one (deceased or alive). Please send this in by March 15^th.

A big thank you to Fr. Alex who facilitated our 9^th grade retreat last Saturday and Maureen, Nina and our catechists.
I am very proud of our 9^th graders and our parents. A big thank you to your 10^th graders, Maureen, Nina and their catechists. I facilitated a retreat for the parents and confirmandi on Sunday evening. I am proud of both our parents and confirmandi. In the coming weeks, we will connect with our 10^th graders who are preparing virtually for their final preparation. I look forward to welcoming Bishop Kevin to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday, June 17^th at 7 pm.