Friends, our Gospel for today is one of the most beautiful and important in the New Testament: the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, the eight Beatitudes. Why is it so important? Because it is the Son of God telling us how to be happy. It is the one who can’t be wrong telling us how to achieve that which each of us most basically wants. What could be more compelling?
At the heart of Jesus’ program are these Beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful” and “Blessed are the peacemakers.” These name the very heart of the spiritual program, for they name the ways that we participate most directly in the divine life.
One of the most important words to describe God in the Old Testament is chesed (tender mercy). The New Testament version of this is found in the First Letter of John: God is agape (love). Everything else we say about God should be seen as an aspect of this chesed and this agape. Chesed is compassion; agape is willing the good of the other. Therefore, if you want to be happy, desire to be like God. Do it and you’ll be happy.
Bishop Robert Barron
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF HOPEWELL JUNCTION OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY!
ST. DENIS – ST. COLUMBA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE – JANUARY 29
All parishioners and families welcome – current school families and new school families! Take a student tour! Enjoy refreshments! Discover our beloved school! See you Sunday, January 29 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm.
HAPPY HOUSE LEARNING CENTER AT ST. ALOYSIUS NOVITIATE
Sunday, January 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For Ages 2, 3 & 4.
ARK AND DOVE PRE-SCHOOL AT ST. DENIS CHURCH
Sunday, January 29 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For Ages 2, 3 & 4.
BLESSING OF THROATS
Friday, February 3 is the Feast of St. Blasé. We will offer the traditional Blessing of Throats at the following times:
7:00 am Mass after the homily
12:00 noon Service of the Word
7:00 pm Service of the Word
HOSPITALITY SUNDAY
Hospitality Sunday is usually held on the first Sunday of the month. However, due to the Confirmation Retreats, it will be held instead on February 12 after the 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 10:30 am Masses. Join your fellow parishioners for brunch and a chance to meet and greet!
CONFIRMATION RETREATS
Confirmation Retreats will be held in the school gym on Sunday, February 5 from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and again from 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Come at your appointed time. Please pray for our Confirmandi.
PILGRIMAGE TO ASSISI AND ROME
We are planning a Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome. It will include a Papal Audience, The Ordination of Viktor Gjergji as Deacon in St. Peter’s Basilica, and his Mass of Thanksgiving. There will also be time to visit Sister Marie Pappas and tour her convent. Now is the time to sign up. Call the rectory for a Pilgrimage Brochure or go to = https://www.petersway.com/9996.html.
PARISH MISSION 2023 – “REAL PRESENCE – GOD’S GIFT”
A team of Redemptorist Priests will lead our our Parish Mission February 24-March 1, 2023. Mark the dates down now! The Mission will include talks to School And Rel Ed Students, Anointing of the Sick Service. Service in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mission Nights, Spiritual Direction, Witness talks and Socials. We look forward to a great Mission!
CARDINAL’S APPEAL 2023 – FROM FATHER MICHAEL
This weekend marks the beginning of the Cardinal’s Appeal for 2023. The funds that together we will give to this year’s Appeal will be used for the following needs in our archdiocese:
(1) Assistance for Financially Vulnerable Parishes
(2) Charitable Outreach and Pastoral Support
(3) Evangelization, Communications, and Catholic Education
(4) Formation of New Parish Priests
(5) Care for Retired Priests
Many parishioners already faithfully participate in the Appeal every year, and we are most grateful. In fact, our parish had almost 500 participants last year – the Third Highest Number in the entire Archdiocese! Those who did not participate last year or that have never participated, we ask you to please seriously consider this invitation. Our goal as a parish is for every family and parishioner to participate in some way.
Our parish goal for the Appeal this year is $130,000.00. The overall goal for all parishes in the archdiocese combined is $21 Million dollars. Last year our parish raised $140,000.00. If all of our parishioners participate, we will easily reach our goal again this year.
You should have received a letter from our Archbishop, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, with a pledge card to make your gift. Thank you and God bless you for your generous response.