Let's keep praying!

03-29-2020From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. John Barbella

Last weekend was truly the most unusual weekend of my life. It truly broke my heart to offer Mass without all of you there. The weirdest part was how quiet it was around the Church and rectory last Saturday and Sunday! Fr. Wojciech and I both noticed it, and we assure all of you of our continued prayers and good wishes as we combat this dreadful pandemic.

On the bright side, some 863 people watched last Sunday’s Mass on our parish website. We will make sure that Mass is there every Sunday for everyone who wants to watch it. I am especially happy that some of you took the time to call and let me know it was helpful to you to hear and pray along with the Mass from our parish.

While our office must be closed at this time, please know that we are checking our phone messages and email several times a day. Fr. Wojciech and I are available for priestly emergencies such as Last Rites. You need only call 908-454- 0112 and follow the prompts to leave a message for either of us or the secretary. In an emergency, follow the directions to press 1 and it will forward your call to whichever priest is on call that day. We will be happy to do our best for you.

The Church itself is open during the day for private prayer. Please be careful if you visit the Church. As an Act of Charity – and prudence – at this time, please keep a safe distance from anyone else who may be there. Remember that our precious Lord is present in the Tabernacle – ready to receive our visits, hear our prayers, and pour out His grace and blessings to us.

I want to say a special thank you to everyone who has either mailed their offering to our Church – or signed up for online giving. Your thoughtfulness – and generosity - is a real blessing to our parish at this time. While I have always preferred to use a regular envelope myself – I am going to try signing up for online giving this afternoon. (I’m not very tech savvy – but I’ll do my best!)

As of this time, we have no clear idea when all this will end. I received word from the Diocese that they will be sending information about Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter shortly. That information will be posted in the Daily Updates on our website and Church doors. In the meantime, let’s keep praying for those who have fallen sick, for their caregivers, and for those working for a cure. Let’s also pray for peace – and for each other. What follows is the prayer from last week – which I am asking everyone to pray until this pandemic is over.

A Prayer for Protection in time of Pandemic

O Mary, you always brighten our path as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus’ pain while remaining steadfast in faith. O loving Mother, you know what we need, and we are confident you will provide for us as at Cana in Galilee. Intercede for us with your Son Jesus, the Divine Physician, for those who have fallen ill, for those who are vulnerable, and for those who have died. Intercede also for those charged with protecting the safety and health of others and for those who are tending to the sick and seeking a cure. Help us, O Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who took upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows, so as to lead us through the Cross, to the glory of the Resurrection.

Amen.

Last – but not least – please keep saying a daily Hail Mary for me!

God Bless You,

Fr. John

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