Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“All scripture is inspired.”
Paul affirms God’s active involvement in the writing of Scripture, an involvement so powerful and pervasive that what is written is the infallible and authoritative word of God. At this time, the primary reference here must be to what we call the Old Testament as some of the New Testament books had not yet been written. However, by the time of the later books e.g., 1 Timothy and 2 Peter, some of the New Testament books were considered to be on the same level as the Old Testament books.
An understanding of the Scriptures then is an essential source for “teaching, refutation, correction, and training in right living.” Armed with this understanding, all those who “belong to God” will be competent, ready, and able for every good work. For it is through the word of God in Scripture that we become “fully competent and equipped for every good work.”
Paul affirms God’s active involvement in the writing of Scripture, an involvement so powerful and pervasive that what is written is the infallible and authoritative word of God. At this time, the primary reference here must be to what we call the Old Testament as some of the New Testament books had not yet been written. However, by the time of the later books e.g., 1 Timothy and 2 Peter, some of the New Testament books were considered to be on the same level as the Old Testament books.
An understanding of the Scriptures then is an essential source for “teaching, refutation, correction, and training in right living.” Armed with this understanding, all those who “belong to God” will be competent, ready, and able for every good work. For it is through the word of God in Scripture that we become “fully competent and equipped for every good work.”
The Scripture contains a wisdom which should guide all our Christian lives, and regrettably, so many Catholics (as opposed to many Protestants) are far less familiar than they should be with the God’s Word in both Old and New Testaments. It was St Jerome who said that ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. It is amazing at times to hear people, who hardly ever open a Bible, pontificate about Jesus and the nature of Christianity.
We will find in the scriptures an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our lives. Those with experience will tell you that, no matter how many times they read Bible passages, there is still more insight to be gained. It is not like an Agatha Christie novel that can be tossed aside once it is finished. “Oh, I read that.” It is more like a great piece of classical music that can be listened to again and again and is ever open to new interpretations while remaining faithful to the original.
Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian
Pope Francis
Today I join the Church of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and of all the United States, in praying for the rest of the soul of George Floyd and all the others who have lost their lives because of the sin of racism,” the pope said.
“Let us pray for the comfort of families and friends who are heartbroken, and pray for national reconciliation and the peace we yearn for.”
“Let us pray for the comfort of families and friends who are heartbroken, and pray for national reconciliation and the peace we yearn for.”
Reminder
St. Catharine Church is now open for private prayer. Please see the schedule in the notice below.
Please remember that masks are required at all times while on the church grounds. This is not only for the safety of our visitors but also our priests and worship team.
We are excited to reopen the church for private prayer but need the cooperation of everyone in order to keep it open.
WORD ON FIRE
In this important video, Bishop Barron describes how the Eucharist is prefigured in many of the stories in the Old Testament; perhaps most profoundly, in the Passover narrative.
If you know people who would like to join our Word on Fire group, just tell them to either text the word BARRON to 84576 or go to stcatharinestmargaret.flocknote.com
Virtual Prayer Book
Do you know someone that is in need of prayers?
Are they sick and need prayers of healing?
Do they need prayers for strength to get through this crisis?
Do they need prayers for patience while homeschooling their children?
Is someone lonely and could use a little lifting up by the Holy Spirit?
Add their name to our Virtual Prayer Book HERE. During the Prayer of the Faithful we will include them collectively by saying, "all those listed in our virtual prayer book" and they will be included along with all of the intersessions we are praying for during mass.
Catholic Charities News
During the Covid 19 pandemic, in addition to onsite services, Catholic Charities has established Tele Health and Tele Mental Health services. Call 800-360-7711.
Food pantries are experiencing a 50% client increase. Pantries distribute prepackaged food bags mornings in Burlington (9:30-11:30) Mercer and Ocean counties (9-12). Go to www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org for directions and information on additional services.
The 20th annual Providence House Domestic Violence Services event, scheduled for June 12th, will be combined with the Catholic Charities virtual gala on September 26th.
Mailing address:
215 Essex Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
215 Essex Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Venmo: @stcathstmarg
Zelle: 732-904-3850
Zelle: 732-904-3850
Weekly Collections
Although we are not currently hosting public masses, we are doing our very best to maintain a community for our parishioners and friends.
If you are able, please maintain your contributions to the parish. Donations can be mailed, given electronically, or dropped off in the free standing mailbox outside the rectory offices.
This will help us continue to pay our staff, who continue to work, and maintain vital programs and operations.
More information on electronic giving can be found HERE or by contacting Lisa Cole at
732-449-5765x169 or
Lcole@stcatharine-stmargaret.org
Weekly Schedule
Our new streaming system archives all masses and events.
Please see our YouTube channel for all mass recordings and videos
Please support the Annual Catholic Appeal. This initiative helps essential programs throughout the diocese.
Find more information here https://dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal
Weekly Bulletin
Check out our beautiful Sunday Bulletin online
Please click on the link above to view
Fr. Chris Dayton's New YouTube Channel
Father Chris from St. Rose will be posting videos on his new YouTube channel.
Check it out below
A Coronavirus Prayer
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." Come to our aid now, that we may experience your healing love.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
Get Social With Us
We are constantly posting updates while we are maintaining a virtual office.
Please visit us on our social media accounts
Facebook- www.facebook.com/stcatharinestmargaret
Instagram- @stcatharine_stmargaret
Twitter- @stcathstmarg