Category: Uncategorized

Bishop O’Connell lifts many COVID based protocols

Welcome Back to Church!!

Return to Church – the Bishops of NJ ended the dispensation of the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.  The faithful are to return beginning June 5-6, 2021.

Masks Wearing & Social Distancing Optional –the clergy and faithful should use their best judgement to protect their own health and that of their neighbors.  Those not fully vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.  Limits on church capacity have been lifted.

Read the entire Diocesan Message here: Diocese encourages return to church, lifts many COVID-based protocols – Diocese of Trenton – Lawrenceville, NJ

 

Important Announcement from Bishops of NJ re: Mass Attendance

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW JERSEY BISHOPS

Reinstating the General Obligation to Attend Mass

At this time, due to the observance of public safety protocols and the increase in the availability of vaccines, we have begun a return to some sense of normalcy in various sectors of our society.

Therefore, we the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, are lifting the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation beginning on Saturday, June 5, 2021, and Sunday, June 6, 2021, Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. We welcome the Christian faithful to return to the regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith (cf. Code of Canon Law canon 1247 and Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 2180).

This obligation does not apply to those who are ill; those who have reason to believe that they were recently exposed to the coronavirus or another serious or contagious illness; those who are confined to their home, a hospital, or nursing facility; or those with serious underlying health conditions.  One should consult the local pastor if questions arise about the obligation to attend Mass (canon 87).

Finally, safety protocols (such as wearing masks, social distancing, etc.) and liturgical directives in each New Jersey Diocese remains in place until modified or revoked by the respective Diocesan Bishop.

Given on May 20, 2021, the memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop, Diocese of Trenton
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Bishop, Diocese of Camden
Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney Bishop, Diocese of Paterson
Most Reverend James F. Checchio Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen
Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Bishop, Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic
Most Reverend Yousif B. Habash Bishop, Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Diocese

Chapel is Open

The Chapel is opened for private prayer from 6:00am – 6:00pm, daily.

Note that Daily Mass is also being held in the Chapel, 8:30am, Monday – Saturday.

 

 

Bishop calls for Month-Long Prayer Campaign to End Abortion, including a Statewide day of Prayer & Fasting

Bishop calls for month-long prayer campaign to end abortion, including a statewide day of prayer and fasting

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has set out a plan for “spiritual battle” throughout January in response to the anniversary of the legalization of abortion in the United States and the growing concern for the sanctity of the child in the womb. Through private prayer and virtual Masses, the faithful are asked to support the extensive prayer campaign aimed at ending the scourge of abortion.

“As the new year begins, there are many issues in society that challenge our Catholic moral and social teachings. Opposition to abortion remains our ‘pre-eminent priority,’” the Bishop said. “As a Diocese, as parishes, let us pray for an end to abortion, for the legal protection of the unborn and in thanksgiving to God for the gift of human life.”

The Diocese’s faithful are asked to pray a Rosary for life throughout the month of January. In addition, from Jan. 14-22, Bishop O’Connell will lead a daily broadcast of a “Novena to St. Joseph to End Abortion,” which will be published on all diocesan media outlets.

On Jan. 22, the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, the Diocese of Trenton will join the other New Jersey (arch)dioceses in observing a Day of Fasting and Prayer to end abortion. In a letter issued Jan. 5, the New Jersey bishops write:

As we mark this tragic event in our nation’s history, we remember the millions of lives lost to abortion and pray for the mothers and fathers left to suffer the tragic effects.

The Catholic Church is committed to protecting all life from conception to natural death. We will work vigorously to ensure the laws of our state and country protect and defend the intrinsic dignity of all people.

Signed by the bishops of the five Roman Catholic arch(dioceses), as well as two Eastern-rite dioceses, the letter concludes with a prayer:

We humbly implore our Blessed Mother under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and Protectress of the Unborn, to intercede on our behalf that these efforts to end abortion are guided by mercy, compassion, and above all charity.

To view the letter, click HERE.

In keeping with public health recommendations to avoid crowds and closed-in settings due to COVID-19 infection risk, the Diocese will not sponsor or organize travel to Washington, D.C., for the National March for Life, which is set for Jan. 29. Instead, the Diocese encourages the faithful to keep a local focus by participating on that day in a pre-recorded pro-life Mass, celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, which will be available online beginning at 11 a.m.

Visit TrentonMonitor.com>News>Diocese for more information and links to these observances as well as youtube.com/trentondiocese.

Christmas Mass Schedule

St. Pio Parish: All  Masses will be held in the Church.  Masks & Social Distancing Required.  Capacity limits will apply (150 persons).

Christmas Eve:  2:00pm* and 4:00pm

Christmas Day: 10:00am    NOTE: Holy Eucharist distribution immediately after the 10am Mass.

*Livestreamed from St. Pio in Lavallette.

*Watch the 2:00pm Mass LIVE on our Facebook Page – Click here at mass time
or watch anytime later by going to our Video Library accessed from our website..

Sacred Heart:  All  Masses will be held in the Church.  Masks & Social Distancing Required.  Capacity limits will apply (100 persons).

Christmas Eve:  2:00pm* and 4:00pm

Christmas Day: 8:30am* and 10:00am    NOTE:  Holy Eucharist distribution immediately after the 10am Mass.

*Livestreamed from Sacred Heart in Bayhead

*Watch the 2:00pm or 8:30am Masses LIVE – click LIVE on our Homescreen at mass time
or watch anytime later by going to our Video Library.

Wishing your family a Most Blessed Christmas!

See the source image

 

Christmas Giving Tree

Our annual “giving tree” project  begins the weekend of November 14-15. Due to the limited number of parishioners who are able to attend Mass, there will be some changes this year.

For those who attend Mass (daily or weekly), tags will be displayed on boards on both sides of the giving tree which will be located in the narthex of the Church. Please pick up a tag as you enter or exit the Church. In order to minimize the spread of germs during this Covid 19 pandemic, please peruse the tags and touch only the tag that you will be taking home. Your cooperation this year is greatly appreciated.

For those of you who are not attending Mass and who won’t be choosing a tag, donations can  consist of toys for all aged children, winter jackets, hats, mittens, children’s books and puzzles, arts and crafts, coloring books, crayons, children’s clothing of any age or size, as well as pajamas, gift cards for Target or Walmart, baby clothes, toys and diapers.

  1. Please do not wrap the gifts but be sure the tag if any, is attached when you drop it off.
  2. Drop off by the Giving Tree in Church or in the parish center foyer open from 6am to 6pm.
  3. All gifts must be returned by December 13 so that they can be delivered to Madonna House and to local families in need of assistance.

As you are aware, many families are struggling. The need this year is greater than ever. Please help to put a smile on the face of a child this Christmas. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions call Karen Sandy at 732-606-2716.

For those who attend Mass (daily or weekly), tags will be displayed on boards on both sides of the giving tree which will be located in the narthex of the Church. In order to minimize the spread of germs during this Covid 19 pandemic, please peruse the tags and touch only the tag that you will be taking home. For those of you who are not attending Mass and who won’t be choosing a tag, donations can  consist of toys for all aged children, winter jackets, hats, mittens, children’s books and puzzles, arts and crafts, coloring books, crayons, children’s clothing of any age or size, as well as pajamas, gift cards for Target or Walmart, baby clothes, toys and diapers.

Additional Drop Off Locations:  There also will be gift drop off boxes at locations in town. The following local businesses have agreed to partner with the parish this year; Lava Java, Little Mia’s, Crystal’s Salon – Ortley Beach, St. Francis Food Pantry –  SSH, Enright Chiropractic, Betty n Nicks Restaurant, and Tim Ryan Funeral Homes. We are most grateful for their support.

As you are aware, many families are struggling. The need this year is greater than ever. Please help to put a smile on the face of a child this Christmas. Thank you and if you have any questions call Karen Sandy at 732-606-2716.