Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We celebrate this weekend the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. It is a celebration of the unconditional love that God has for humanity, which God manifests as the creating love (which is God the Father), the saving love (which is God the Son), and the sanctifying love (which is God the Holy Spirit). God, therefore, is love, and whoever lives in God lives in love and continues to manifest God’s love to other people.
The Trinity is a perfect example of how love enables us to open our hearts to others to bring them closer to God and that they might have new life in God. It is this love that we hear about in today’s reading from the Gospel of John.
John 3:16-18
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
God loves us so that we may have eternal life. But this love is not forced unto us; it is freely given. Imagine this love of God being given to you now. Is there anything in my life that is stopping me from receiving this unconditional love of God?
As you listen to this reading again, notice that these are the words of Jesus. He is here not to condemn you but to invite you to accept God’s love so that you can have eternal life.
I speak to God now about this invitation. I ask for the grace that I need to be able to recognize and accept this God who is the creating love, the saving love, and the sanctifying love. I also ask that I may be freed from all the things that block me from living in this love manifested in the Trinity today.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
With Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian
Dear Parishioners,
I’m delighted to tell you that we are re-opening for the public celebration of mass, albeit with limited capacity and certain restrictions. Last week Bishop O’Connell made the following announcement.
Parish churches may begin the celebration of limited “in church” public weekend Masses with no more than 1/3 occupancy starting on June 13-14, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, observing all requirements listed below. Weekday “in church” public Masses with no more than 25 persons attending may begin on Monday, June 8, 2020, observing the same requirements. Pastors will determine the most fair and effective ways to ensure proper observance of those numbers.
The full statement is found here:
https://dioceseoftrenton.org/news/dates-announced-for-limited-in-church-masses-sacraments
Daily Mass
*Daily mass will resume on Monday, June 8, 2020 with mass at 12 noon in St. Catharine Church
*Capacity is limited to 25 people maximum.
*Masks must be for everyone over 2 years old.
*Social distancing practices must be observed.
*Mass will still be broadcast every day on LiveSteam.
*Daily mass will be staffed with our current worship team.
Sunday Mass
St. Catharine School Playground
The Sunday celebration of Mass will return with open air mass at St. Catharine School playground at 6 PM Saturday and 10:30 AM Sunday. Many people had requested an outdoor celebration of mass and the limited capacity of St. Catharine Church while observing social distancing did not make it a viable option.
Sunday Mass
St. Catharine School Playground
The Sunday celebration of Mass will return with open air mass at St. Catharine School playground at 6 PM Saturday and 10:30 AM Sunday. Many people had requested an outdoor celebration of mass and the limited capacity of St. Catharine Church while observing social distancing did not make it a viable option.
*Masks must be worn even outside for everyone over 2 years old.
*Social distancing practices must be observed.
*Please bring your own beach chairs, blankets, and sun hats.
*Please bring your own beach chairs, blankets, and sun hats.
*Strollers are permitted for children.
*Umbrellas are not permitted as they will obscure visibility.
*Feel free to bring water but not a picnic!
*The school gymnasium will serve as an alternative venue in case inclement weather but the capacity is limited to 100 and the gym is not handicapped accessible.
*There will only be one entrance on Salem Avenue but all exits can be used.
*The school gymnasium will serve as an alternative venue in case inclement weather but the capacity is limited to 100 and the gym is not handicapped accessible.
*There will only be one entrance on Salem Avenue but all exits can be used.
*Mass will be streamed live on the parish’s facebook page.
St. Margaret Church
Mass will be celebrated in St. Margaret Church at 4 PM Saturday and 9 AM Sunday morning.
*Masks must be worn for everyone over 2 years old.
*Social distancing practices must be observed.
*The capacity is limited to 100 people upstairs and 25 people downstairs.
*Please use designated seating in every other pew.
*Only one entrance is permitted but any door can be used as an exit.
*Mass will be streamed live on the parish’s facebook page.
Weddings
*Weddings are permitted but limited to a wedding ceremony with a maximum of 25 people.
Funerals
*Funerals can commence again with a limited congregation of 25 people.
*Weddings are permitted but limited to a wedding ceremony with a maximum of 25 people.
Funerals
*Funerals can commence again with a limited congregation of 25 people.
I’m aware that a number of our parishioners have lost relatives without the comfort of funeral rites. On June 17th, a requiem mass with the Bishop will be broadcasted from St. Anne’s Mausoleum for those who have died in the Diocese of Trenton during the pandemic irrespective of the cause. I will concelebrate that mass as we remember all those who have passed here in our own parish. If you have a family member who passed during this time, please forward their name to the parish office for inclusion. More details will follow about the time of the mass and where the link can be found.
Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Lectors will be getting an email to sign up for weekend masses through flocknote and ministry scheduler pro. No one will be auto scheduled. Altar servers will not be used at this time. I would ask you to please be patient with us as we engage in this reopening while trying to ensure your safety.
Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Lectors will be getting an email to sign up for weekend masses through flocknote and ministry scheduler pro. No one will be auto scheduled. Altar servers will not be used at this time. I would ask you to please be patient with us as we engage in this reopening while trying to ensure your safety.
I fully understand that you have many other questions about the other sacraments. When I receive more information, I will share it with you immediately.
Thank you for your continued support of the Parish in these challenging times. I truly appreciate all of the notes expressing your gratitude and encouragement for our continued liturgical and pastoral care. Please remember that our reopening plan is essentially an experiment that will be revised depending on the circumstances and requirements and will undoubtedly evolve. I need everyone to continue to be cooperative and patient to make all this work. With God’s grace, I’m confident and hopeful it will.
Thank you for your continued support of the Parish in these challenging times. I truly appreciate all of the notes expressing your gratitude and encouragement for our continued liturgical and pastoral care. Please remember that our reopening plan is essentially an experiment that will be revised depending on the circumstances and requirements and will undoubtedly evolve. I need everyone to continue to be cooperative and patient to make all this work. With God’s grace, I’m confident and hopeful it will.
With Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian
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