Divine Mercy

04-19-2020From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. John Barbella

It’s odd to write to you as I do today, the day after Easter, without having any family gatherings or things of that sort to speak of. My Easter was very different this year – as I suspect yours was, too! I did speak with my mother – and my sisters – over the phone.

After offering Holy Mass Easter morning, I spent some time praying in our Church. It was very quiet, and I couldn’t help thinking of how busy it would be at that time on a ‘normal’ Easter Sunday! Nonetheless, I said my Divine Office (prayers priests promise to pray each day for their parish, the universal church, and the whole world), followed by a couple of rosaries. I held all of you in prayer, especially those dealing with illness or special challenges at this time. I also prayed – as I’m sure you did – for an end to this pandemic!

I want to thank everyone who sent Easter wishes to me personally – and to all of us at the rectory. We certainly appreciate your thoughts and prayers! Fr. Wojciech and I are doing well – as is Thomas, the seminarian living with us at this time.

Remember that today is Divine Mercy Sunday. While we cannot hold public ceremonies today, you can pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy privately. My guess is that TV stations like EWTN will have televised services this afternoon. Remember that, when you cannot get to Confession and Holy Communion – as you cannot this year – you can still earn the indulgence by reciting the Chaplet, praying for the Holy Father (usually an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for his intentions) and resolving to go to Confession and Holy Communion as soon as possible. God knows our hearts, and knows how sincerely so many of you want to celebrate these sacraments!

Our new Mass Association Masses are scheduled to begin tomorrow (Monday, April 20) at 7 PM. While we cannot celebrate them publicly right now, Fr. Wojciech and I will begin offering them privately and reading all the names you have enrolled. If you prefer to have the names you enrolled held off until the Masses can be offered publicly, please call Nancy at the Church office (908 – 454 – 0112 ext. 3) and let her know. One of the beauties of a Mass Association is that we have some flexibility we don’t have with regular Mass intentions!

Nancy is adding some new things to the bulletin this week. One is a place where you can write prayer requests and send them to us – or drop them in the collection when we can all come to Church together again. The other is special prayers for different people affected by the shut downs caused by the pandemic. I hope you find them useful!

As of this writing, our Easter collection is $12,281.80, not counting the matching funds promised to us. My guess is that we will have a complete number next week, after all the mail ins have arrived and been counted. Thanks – everybody – for being so mindful of our parish at this difficult time.

Most of you probably remember that I usually take a couple of days off the week after Easter – to engage in my train watching hobby. Obviously, I’m not going anywhere this week! That’s fine – since I like being around our parish and there is always something to do. You will – as always – remain in my prayers. Please be sure to pray a Hail Mary for me!

Have a great week!

Fr. John

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