Formed

Dear Parishioners,

Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!  Alleluia!

Please realize that we continue to celebrate the glorious Easter event--the bodily Resurrection of Jesus--right through the celebration of Pentecost (June 9, 2019).  The joy of Easter cannot be contained in a single day, but the Church gives us an entire season to contemplate what Jesus' Resurrection means for us.  We have a promise of eternal life, the forgiveness of sin, and a Christian hope that the world cannot give.

Sadly, the joy of Easter was diminished by the tragic events in Sri Lanka.  The terror attacks that very day killing more than 300 innocent people, sadly reflects how evil continues to rear its ugly head in our world.  May our prayers be with the victims and their families.

This Sunday of Divine Mercy focuses all Christians on the Divine Mercy that Jesus offers to us.  According to the notebooks of St. Maria Faustina of the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus made the following statements about this day:

On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open.  I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy.  The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.  On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened.  Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.  My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. (Diary of Saint Faustina, 699)

Devotion to Divine Mercy is especially associated with an image painted as Jesus wished, based on descriptions by Saint Faustina.  The words that accompany the image are Jesus, I trust in Thee (Jezu, Ufam Tobie in Polish).  The rays coming from Jesus' body represent the Blood and water that poured forth from the wound He suffered when pierced by the lance.

The devotion is practiced by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena to the Divine Mercy -- both of which may be prayed at any time, but especially at "The Hour of Great Mercy" -- 3:00 PM, the hour our Lord died, and in conjunction with Divine Mercy Sunday.

If you want to learn more about Divine Mercy, why not sign up for a free Formed account on your smart phone, tablet or computer?  Instructions were distributed after all the Easter masses and are currently available on our parish web site (www.holyangelsnj.org).  Entertaining movies, enlightening study series, inspiring talks and a selection of eBooks are available to you.  There is an entire section on Divine Mercy on this app.

Since we live in a digital age, Formed is one way to reach more parishioners using their smart phones, computers, tablets or devices.  It is a means to learn more about our Catholic faith and to enjoy entertainment geared to religious formation and family values.  Since the account is free to you, please consider signing up and joining our online parish family.  While nothing substitutes for active participation at Mass or the individual connection involved with the reception of the sacraments, there is a need for continuing Catholic education and formation that coincides with people's busy lives.  Here is another way that we are trying to evangelize and to educate using current technology.

Why not give it a try? 

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

St. Faustina with the image of Divine Mercy

A Final Appeal

Dear Parishioners,

For the past few months we have been making you aware of the diocesan Catholic Strong campaign.  This program is designed to benefit each diocesan parish with any capital improvements and ministerial programs that need funding.  While each parish has its own particular needs, this diocesan-wide effort gives 70% of all gifts directly to the parish for its planned use.  The remaining 30% is intended for new diocesan initiatives beneficial to the parishes.

Last weekend the priests assigned here tried to spell out the needs of Holy Angels Parish.  Since I was not able to be present physically at all eight weekend Masses, I will try to elaborate on what I said when I spoke at my three Masses:

·  There are some building concerns that need immediate attention--the roofs of St. Patrick and St. Matthew Churches and the rectory in Woodbury all have leaks.  When such matters are left continually unaddressed, there is a risk of things like structural damage, mold, etc.

·  Various driveways and parking lots need resurfacing and repairs.  Take particular note of the driveway from Green Avenue into the school.  It has plenty of potholes.

·   The retaining wall surrounding St. Matthew Church is deteriorating and needs repair/replacement.

·    A number of heating and air-conditioning units in various buildings are liable to stop working at any time due to their age.  While they have been regularly maintained, unfortunately, they do not last forever.

·   The hot water heater in the Worship Center has been broken and needs replacement.

·   The recently purchased building at 81 Cooper Street needs things such as windows (many of them were boarded-up), a new roof, electrical and HVAC repairs/replacements, etc. before the other parish offices (receptionist, secretary, bookkeeper, ministry coordinator, priests, and deacons) can be permanently moved into the building.  This building is planned as our future centralized Parish Office Building.

·    Major repairs are also necessary at the former convent (Ministry Center).  The full extent that this building will remain in use has not been determined at this time.

In addition, we hope to apply some funds towards ministry to youth and to families with children.

Our volunteers have been making calls for the past months.  Information and brochures have been mailed to various registered parishioners.  Information has also been published in the church bulletin and on our parish website.  Now we come to the last two weeks of making a formal appeal for your help. Can we count you in for a direct donation or a larger pledge over time (3-5 years)?

(For those who desire 100% of their donation to go directly to the parish, this should be indicated when your gift/pledge is made.  Bishop Sullivan had assured us that all requests of this kind will be honored.)

Finally, I thank those who have already supported us and have been most generous.  No gift is ever too large or too small!

No matter what you are financially able to do, we need your prayerful support of our parish.

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor

81 Cooper Street, Woodbury

Ministry Center (former convent)

School driveway (complete with potholes)

Roof leak (St. Matthew Church)