The Paterson Diocese has begun to revitalize its outreach to the local Spanish-speaking community, in part, by developing a new ministry, Equipo Evangelizacion Hispano, which seeks to direct, manage and coordinate outreach efforts by the Office of Evangelization and to formulate and implement a cohesive pastoral plan for Hispanic ministry in the Diocese. But first, the ministry plans to spend the next year, traveling to local parishes and listening to the needs of the pastors in their outreach to Hispanics.
On Saturday, Americans will mark the 239th birthday of the United States. On July 4, 1776, our freedom-loving forefathers founded a nation that they dreamed would provide open-ended opportunity marked by strong moral values shaped by honesty, integrity and justice for all.
The recent Supreme Court decision
“Obergefell et al. v Hodges” has now redefined the legal definition of marriage in our country. Responding to the cultural trends of the last sixty years, the judges have made a decision that will affect not only those individuals who decide to enter same-sex unions, but every citizen and institution within the nation.
Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to St. James of the Marches Parish June 20 and celebrated the vigil Mass for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. During the visit, the Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to young people of the parish.
Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish here on June 21, Father’s Day. During the visit, he celebrated Mass for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
For 40 years, Pamela Brown has served the Paterson Diocese working at the former Our Lady of Lourdes School in Paterson and then at the parish office there before heading to the finance office at the Diocesan Center here in 2009. Brown will begin the next chapter of her life on June 26 (also her birthday), as she retires after 40 years of service to the Church.
People who struggle with drug or alcohol dependency can find comfort and hope in a simple, yet powerful spiritual message that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI directed to the universal Church, not only to addicts: “the Eucharist is synonymous with peace.”
In his encyclical, “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis presented every person in the world with a spiritual perspective on caring for God’s creation by giving all a wake-up call on addressing the state of the planet.
Even before the June 18, 2015 publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment (‘Laudato Si’), the media delighted in reporting voices both approving and disapproving of his speaking on the subject. No doubt the debate will continue. But, this is a good thing. In his 184-page letter, the Holy Father addressed his words to “every person on this planet,” hoping to stir up discussion on an issue that touches every living creature and the world itself.
A Day of Continuing Education will be held in conjunction with the Mass for Deceased Deacons and Wives on November 14, 2015. This new format will include several presentations to help satisfy the Annual Continuing Education Requirements for Deacons.
The Annual Mass for Deceased Deacons and Wives will be celebrated by Msgr. James Mahoney, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia on November 14, 2015
Phase II of the exterior renovation continues with the repointing of the stone mortar, removal of the top of the existing non-functioning chimney, cleaning mockups approved, replacement of the snow guards on the roof, while the May flowers continue to bloom amongst all the construction debris.
Facilities of the Diocese of Paterson (parishes, schools, agencies, etc.) may be made available to individuals and groups whose principles and practices are not in conflict with the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and the policies of the Diocese of Paterson. In addition to customary rentals, Church facilities may be used, where appropriate, for: social gatherings of families of parishioners; other religious and educational groups that do not violate the above principles; public schools and other appropriate public entities.
In many ways, it felt like a typical First Holy Communion. The recipient, Elizabeth Purcell, sat with her family in the front pew of St. Luke Church here during an afternoon Mass June 7.
The delicate notes played on a piano sprinkle like a gentle summer rain, as the lyrics of a soft, spiritual song, “Suffering for Souls,” issues a challenge by Jesus as told to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish religious sister and mystic, renowned for promoting devotion to Divine Mercy.
As Mila Burdeos, a parishioner of St. Paul’s, Prospect Park, drove to see the holy relics of St. Anthony of Padua, she had no idea what to expect. When she was finally in the presence of the relics, it was an unforgettable spiritual experience in St. Anthony Church in Passaic on June 12.
Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to St. Jude Parish here June 13 where he celebrated the Vigil Mass for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. During his visit, the Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to young people of the parish.
On Sunday, June 14, Bishop Serratelli helped Our Lady of Fatima Parish (OLF) in Highland Lakes — which began by serving vacationing Catholics in the summers and has been blessed with a diverse, multi-generational faith community — mark two major anniversaries: 60 years since the church’s dedication and 50 years since the parish’s formation.
For being a model of Christ here on earth, 111 individuals, couples and families were honored with the diocesan Vivere Christus Award, which was presented to them each by Bishop Serratelli June 14 in St. Philip the Apostle Church here.