Updates for the weekend of June 19th
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June 16, 2022
Collection Envelopes
Collection envelopes are currently sent out every other month to about 1300 families in the parish. This is far more than the number of families that actually use them. In order to cut costs and waste, we are in the process of discontinuing envelopes being sent to any family that has not used its envelopes since January, 2019. You should still retain your envelope number and use it whenever you add or make changes to online giving or make a note of the envelope number on the memo line of your check if you make a contribution by check. If for some reason you would still like to receive envelopes, please call Patty in the parish office.
Stop by and pray or sit for a while
Please make use of our Meditation Garden. What a beautiful spot to spend a few minutes with our Lord! Our Meditation Garden and Remembrance Walkway project is ongoing, and bricks can be ordered at any time. The next placement of bricks will be during the summer. Remembrance bricks are a beautiful way to remember loved ones or special moments in our lives.
Air Conditioning in the Church
With the onset of warmer weather please note that the chiller in the church will be turned on from time to time as necessary. The chiller does not provide true “air conditioning” in that it basically blows in colder air without taking out humidity. There is no thermostat. The chiller is either on or off. Please don’t shoot the messenger. If you typically feel chilly in air conditioned premises, please dress accordingly and bring a sweater or jacket with you to Mass. You can always take it off. People who feel warm don’t have many options. Please keep in mind that the priests and deacons when fully vested for Mass are wearing four layers of clothing and are not sitting under any of the fans. Many thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Catechists and Assistants are needed for the 2022- 2023 Academic Year (September - May). Please consider donating your time and talent to assist the children of the parish on their journey of faith.
All volunteers (over 18 years of age) MUST be fingerprinted, background checked and attend a one-time Protecting God's Children workshop in order to work with children in the Diocese of Metuchen. 7th and 8th Grade Students are welcome to sign up as assistants for service hours; however, please note that the commitment is from September-May. Catechists and Assistants receive tuition discounts. Student volunteers receive service hour credits.
Father David's Installation
Spartan Spirit 5K
Life Choices - Baby Bottle Collection
Save the Date Diocesan Pilgrimage
On Sept. 24, 2022, the Diocese of Metuchen will conclude its year-long 40th Anniversary celebration with a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. As we hope this to be a joyous celebration of our diocesan anniversary, we hope to have many Catholics from our diocese in attendance as possible, so please save the date and encourage your fellow parishioners to do the same. More information and materials will be forthcoming.
Protecting God’s Children
All volunteers are reminded that if their volunteer work at the parish involves working with children, unless each child’s parent or guardian accompanies their child for the entire time, the volunteer needs to have been fingerprinted and have gone through the Protecting God’s Children program, and their credentials must be up to date and on file with our Safe Environment Coordinator at OLMV (Ms. Zmigrodski). Also, no photos that include children may be included on any social media website or platform or in any publication without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian. Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation
Offertory Envelope Etiquette
While online giving is the best and easiest way to make offertory and special contributions to the parish, many thanks also to all who use the offertory envelopes for making their weekly and special contributions to the parish. If you are receiving envelopes, but do not use them, we ask that you please call the parish office so that we can cancel your envelope subscription, since each subscription costs the parish a bi-monthly fee to maintain.
Our counters have asked me to make a special plea that you not use tape to seal your envelopes. Each envelope already has glue on the flap that can be lightly moistened and that still leaves the envelope easy to open. Tape makes it much more difficult for the counters to count the collections quickly and efficiently. Also, please don’t engage in “Catholic origami.” There is no need to fold currency multiple times. Unfolding is time consuming and tedious for the counters. Of course, if you are putting in a $100 bill, you may fold it as many times as you wish :-)
Note on Online Giving
Many thanks to those parishioners who give online. Online giving, especially donations made on a recurring basis, provide the surest and most dependable financial support for the parish. If you give online, please advise the parish office to discontinue your envelopes, as they cost the parish valuable funds to maintain. If you give online and would like something to put in the collection basket, there are special envelopes available in the parish office for your use. Also, you can print out an online giving slip that is available here.
Support the Parish
The best way to support the parish is to enroll in our online giving program. Through this program you can determine your donation amount, select the funds or funds of your choice to which to donate, determine the method of payment, and set the frequency of payments (one-time or recurring). Many thanks for your prayerful support and generosity.