Dear Parishioners,
Isaias
If you read a really old Bible, you'll see the prophet Isaiah's name written as Isaias. Well, now's there's a storm named after him. It looks like we'll have rain and wind very soon until about 6 PM. As a result, we'll be closing up the office soon and working from home. The church will not be open this afternoon from 2-4 PM. While I'll be available for confessions from 2-4 PM, I highly recommend waiting until 6-8 PM when the sun might even be shining.
St. John Vianney
Today is the memorial of the patron saint for all priests, St. John Vianney. As a parish priest, his most time consuming ministry for the conversion of his parish was hearing confessions. He heard confessions for 11 hours a day during the winter and 16 hours a day during the summer. By making confession available 12 hours a week here at St. John's, I hope that this wonderful sacrament will be a means by which Jesus converts our parish.
Prayer Time
It's Tuesday. Let's pray for each other's intentions.
1) For anyone adversely affected by tropical storm Isaias.
2) For a decrease in COVID-19 cases and deaths here in New Jersey.
3) For the conversion of our parish by way of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
4) For students, teachers, parents, and school administrators as they discern the best way to educate kids this autumn.
5) For our local police who are patiently dealing with us in this unusual time.
God love you,
Fr. Jim