15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Parishioners,
 
Today we rejoice in the Lord’s Day! We commemorate the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time as we gather to celebrate the Eucharist in the tradition of the Apostles. The Scriptural texts for today speak to us about the power of God’s commandments which should motivate our daily actions. These commandments are the Lord’s invitation to embrace the ways of God so that our lives may be holy as the Lord Himself is holy. God’s word is able to transform hearts and the world in which we live. In today’s Gospel Acclamation we sing: “ Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.” These words taken from the Gospel of the Evangelist John, chapter 6:63, 68, are a statement of faith and they inspire us to apply God’s word throughout our days.
 
The parable of the Good Samaritan has inspired Christians throughout the ages to care for the suffering. From its first days the Church has ministered to the victims of violence and neglect by providing for their material and spiritual needs. She has done so through the various religious orders which have come into being bringing hospitals, orphanages, nursing homes, hospices, refugee centers, soup kitchens, food pantries and much more into existence. All of these things have emerged as a result of the generosity of the Catholic faithful who have been inspired by the word of God and the Lord’s command to “… love your neighbor as yourself.” Our Catholic lay faithful are the champions in providing compassion and care for those in need. The prayers and the generosity we show in the various appeals which are made throughout the year make CATHOLIC CHARITY a reality. THANK YOU, MY GOOD PEOPLE, FOR MAKING OUR PAR ISH SUCH A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF CATHOLIC CHARITY!
 
In addition to caring for those in need we also have the obligation to maintain the properties we have inherited from past generations of the faithful in which the work and worship of the Church is conducted. This week construction will begin in Divine Mercy Academy to ready the building for the fall. A lot of activity will be taking place on a daily basis during the next two months to transform the old Saint Cecilia School building into a new academy of Catholic education.
 
Our Sacred Heart School building has been inventoried by the diocese and much of what was Sacred Heart School property has now been transferred to Divine Mercy Academy. The future of the building is still being assessed by the diocese, along with the convent. As you may know, both Sister Marie and Sister Johnice have moved from the convent to their new quarters at the Saint Francis Center in Denville. This facility is the property of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother.
 
We are in the process of transforming the rectory basement into meeting space and an area for faith formation. This space will be available for parish meetings (finance council, Women’s Society, etc.).  A section will also be set up as a classroom for First Communion Class and Confirmation Class which will begin in the fall.
 
A lot is happening and I am quite excited. There’s a lot of work which needs to be done to upkeep our property so that it will be beautiful and functional for the holy work which is done in Jesus’ Name. Please keep all this in your prayers and I look forward to your generous offering which make all things possible.
 
God bless you!
Father Zig