Dear Parishioners,
 
The Bishops of the US have made a decision to move Ascension Thursday which would have been Thursday, May 13^th to the following Sunday, May 16^th.  We have been told this is due to the pandemic situation and that next year,
Ascension Thursday will be celebrated on the usual day. 
 
Several weeks ago, I placed a comment in the bulletin about the cost of heating the parish offices, CCD classrooms
and our Pre-K school.  Our good parishioner, Amy Noonan who works at Suburban Propane, passed it along to her
boss and we immediately received a credit for $3,000.  This will be a big help going forward. Our gratitude and
appreciation go out to Amy and the management of Suburban Propane. 
 
A few weeks ago, I anointed our dear parishioner, Pat Foote.  Pat had been ill for many, many years and cared for
by her devoted husband, Alan and daughter, Cheryl.  Pat dedicated her life to teaching, loved to travel and had a
wonderful infectious smile.  I celebrated her funeral liturgy last Monday and extend our prayers to the family.
I was privileged to confirm our parishioner, Peter Joseph Anthony Batanjany on Friday, April 30^th. This was a special
joy for his parents, grandparents, Fr. Alex and I.  I baptized Peter, heard his First Confession and   celebrated First
Holy Communion for him and now having celebrated Confirmation, I know that this wonderful young man who attends
Seton Hall will be the strong disciple God calls him to be. 
 
Last Sunday, I confirmed Thomas Michael Broderick and Nicole Francis Rocco.  This wonderful couple had been part
of our RCIA candidates.  We congratulate them!
 
One Tuesday last, I confirmed Gretchen Clare Dec.  I am proud of this wonderful young wife and mother, who is the daughter-in-law of Ellen and Walt.  We congratulate her and the family!
 
It was great to celebrate our Special Needs Mass on Sunday and to be able to have our beloved friends socially
distanced around the altar again. 
 
Congratulations to Emily Meehan, Emily Bissell, our devoted parishioners and Morgan Garner, a member of the Long Valley Presbyterian Church.  These three wonderful young women received their Gold Awards at St. Luke last
Sunday.  Maureen and I are very proud of them.  Congratulations to them and their families! 
 
Congratulations, Moms, Grand-moms, Great Grand-Moms and Godmothers on this your special day!  Today we
dedicate our parish to our Blessed Mother, and we honor the commitment of our moms; living and   deceased. 
Fr. Hubert  and I remember all of our beloved moms on the list you have given us.  God bless moms.  Thanks for
everything you do and continue to do in the love of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. 

Happy Mothers’ Day!