14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,

Today is the Lord’s Day and the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The scriptural texts speak about those chosen and sent by the Lord to witness in His Name. The Gospel Acclamation proclaims: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for He sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” (Luke 4:18) The Lord has always sent out those He chooses to teach, govern and sanctify in His Name. Throughout salvation history we see those called to leave the security of their families, homes, livelihood and culture to serve the Lord in the upbuilding of His Kingdom on earth. Those who answer this call experience the sufferings which Saint Paul speaks of in his correspondence to the Corinthians as we find in today’s second reading.

I am delighted that Father Mateusz Jasniewicz and Deacon Slawomir Tomaszewski have answered the call to serve the Church of Paterson. Both clergymen have been assigned to Rockaway by Bishop Serratelli and both moved into the rectory last Monday. Father Mateusz becomes our new parochial vicar who will join Father Marcin and myself in providing priestly service to Saint Cecilia and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parishes. Deacon Slawik will also assist us while attending English language classes at Rutgers University (Newark) Monday through Friday. Like all missionaries they have left their country and all that was familiar to them to come to our diocese and serve us in the Name of Jesus. We welcome them to the two best parishes in the Diocese of Paterson!

I am so proud of you, my parishioners, who warmly greet our new priest and deacon. Your kindness, hospitality, patience and gentleness are what make you so outstanding in Christian virtues. Our Bishop sees Rockaway as a wonderful school for young men to gain pastoral experience and sees our support as a sign of great faith in Christ Jesus who “came not to be served but to serve and to give His life in ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

The unofficial start to the vacation season begins and so does a well deserved rest. For the next two months we are relaxing a bit in the parish. Most regular meetings and religious education classes have been suspended until after Labor Day. Daily Mass and the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist remains in force and I remind all of the OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS – FAILURE TO DO SO RESULTS IN BREAKING THE COMMANDMENTS WHICH PUTS US IN SERIOUS SIN AND THE NEED FOR CONFESSION BEFORE APPROACHING HOLY COMMUNION!

And may God bless you!
Happy 4th of July and God bless America, too!
Father Zig