Updates for the weekend of March 20th
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March 17, 2022
2021 Contribution Statements
The year end contribution statements for tax purposes can be obtained by calling the parish office during the week.
CRS Rice Bowl
We celebrated Ash Wednesday, we began our time of Lenten preparation as we wear the sign of the cross on our foreheads. Let us make this Lenten season truly memorable by really entering into the spirit of penitential living. I prayerfully invite each member of our parish to take a "Rice Bowl" and use it each day as a reminder of the suffering poor in our world.
Lenten Rosary and Prayer Hour
March 29, 2022 starting at 7:00pm
In celebration of their Founder's Day, the Knights of Columbus Council #12700 will be conducting a Lenten Rosary and Prayer Hour on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 starting at 7:00pm in the Church.
Although dedicated to the Knight's Founder, Blessed Michael McGivney who was recently beatified, this special prayer hour is open to the entire parish community. Built around the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, this prayer hour also features readings and reflections inspired by the life, legacy and mission of Blessed Father McGivney, which will provide spiritual enrichment to everyone during this season of Lent. Please join the Knights for this special evening of prayer.
Catholic Schools Tuition Assistance
Online Application Process Open
Families interested in applying for tuition assistance to attend an eligible Diocese of Metuchen elementary or high school may apply online now through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.
Applications must be completed (including all required documentation) by no later than March 31, 2022.
Applications are available in English and Spanish. Families that need assistance completing the online application or need access to a computer to apply should contact their school.
OLMV Bereavement Ministry Journey Through Grief
If you have recently lost a loved one, please consider attending the meetings of our Journey through Grief support group, offered by the OLMV Bereavement Ministry. Our mission is to provide ways to cope with the various feelings that are experienced following a loss. We provide a peaceful and caring environment in which you can learn that you are not alone on this journey through grief.
The spring session will begin on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Additional meetings will be held on April 28 and May 5, 12, 19 and 26. Meetings are held from 1:30 –3:00 pm in the Parish Center, across the street from our church. One does not have to be a member of our parish, or our faith, to be eligible to participate, but registration is required. Registration forms will be available near the entrances of the church and in the parish office.
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.