Not of This World By Desiree de la Fuente Pabalan
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:17
Reflection for Ash Wednesday (By Kevin Gaffney, St Elizabeth’s RCIA Instructor)
The readings for March 5, 2025 for Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of lent, are a powerful reminder that God wants a real authentic relationship with us. It is fitting that ashes are offered as an outward reminder that we should always have a repentant spirit and strive for conversion away from sinful acts.
Down through the ages ashes are symbolic of an outward symbol of interior conversion and forgiveness of sin. The three readings explain in detail how outward symbols of repenting were simply not enough. It was only the heart felt God inspired interior conversion that will please God.
God has initiated the conversion by calling his people back to him. Not to do acts of righteousness for show but for heart felt love and honesty. The readings are a call for true conversion, sacrifice, and prayer.
Accepting the lessons they teach will assist us in building God’s Kingdom through our individual and our community’s relationship with God.
Reflection on the Epiphany of the Lord, January 5, 2025 (By Joseph P. DeMaria)
This reflection on the Epiphany of the Lord touches on the mysteries and difficulties of the event
for the Magi. The recognition that an old world was dying. And with the birth of Jesus a new
world was struggling to be born, a world the Lord had physically entered.
Reflection on the Baptism of the Lord (By Dan Pirrello, Lectors Ministry)
This reflection on the Baptism of the Lord from Luke 3:15-16, 22-23 presents the pivotal moment of Jesus’ public ministry, where the Holy Spirit descends upon him visibly at his baptism in the Jordan River. I hope it will make you think and reflect on what this moment means to you.
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God January 1, 2025 (By Elizabeth Wang, Women’s Group)
This reflection explores the challenge of connecting with Mary, the Mother of God, whose sinless life can seem distant from our struggles. Through her example of unwavering faith and surrender, even amid profound suffering, Mary becomes a relatable and loving spiritual mother. The reflection invites readers to honor Mary’s virtues and seek her guidance in their own lives. With a call to prayer and trust in God’s will, readers are encouraged all to embrace Mary’s intercession and draw closer to her Son.
Reflection on The Feast of the Holy Family (By Lisa Cooper, Stitchers Ministry)
This reflection on the Liturgical Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invites you to explore ways you can apply the story of the Child Jesus into your own family life. How understanding, love and forgiveness are essential to be better parents and sons and daughters.
Reflections for the Second Sunday of Advent (By Elizabeth Wang, Women’s Group)
This reflection on the Liturgical Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invites you to explore the relevance of the Old Testament in our lives today, showing how its prophecies and promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. It encourages a deeper engagement with Scripture through quiet reflection and context, helping bring the story of salvation to life. As you read, you’ll be reminded of the enduring hope found in God’s Word and challenged to prepare your heart during Advent for the joyous anticipation of Christ’s return.
Diocesan Ministries Appeal “United In Faith, Hope, Love” (
Weekend of September 28-29,2024)
With the 2024 Diocesan Ministries Appeal, we continue our special support for the complete renovation of the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson and the approximately 18,000 people it serves monthly. We are in the second year of a three-year commitment to allocate $200,000 annually to the Food Pantry campaign. These funds will be used to expand the Food Pantry’s ability to serve people in need by offering a wide array of services in one convenient location. In addition to improving the floor plan of the food pantry, the facility will also expand its offerings with a clothing closet, emergency services, social workers, case managers, ESL and computer classes, and nutrition courses.
BackPack Program Collection October 12-13, 2024
The Catholic Charities BackPack Program offers students in Paterson’s Catholic Charities facilities the chance for weekend nourishment. Many children receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during school hours; for some, these are the only meals of the week. Through the BackPack Program, a zip-lock bag of food is placed in the backpack of each preschooler every Friday afternoon, providing several weekend meals and snacks for each child and family. SPARK Teen Ministry has committed to providing 200+ food packs this year for our adopted preschool, El Mundo de Colores. Monetary donations will be collected after all Masses October 12-12, 2024. A contribution of just $5.00 will cover one whole pack! All proceeds will be used to purchase nutritious foods, such as shelf-stable milk, beans, rice, and oatmeal. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Your help is needed
Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers
The Ministers of Hospitality are responsible for ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for the Celebration of the Eucharist and other ceremonies. Assignments are once or twice a month (depending on staffing). Duties include greeting worshippers, taking collections, seeing to an orderly Eucharist reception, dispersing weekly bulletins, etc. Ministers of Hospitality are required for all Masses.
Please email: [email protected] if interested.
Pumpkin Painting, October 12, 2024 @3:30pm
Calling Children of the parish! Join SPARK Teen Ministry for fall fun as we paint pumpkins in the Community Room on October 12, 2024 at 3:30pm. We are inviting the young children of the parish to this event and SPARK Teens will assist them with their spooky creations. Then stay to worship with us at the Teen Mass, 5pm! To join us please sign up on Flock Note or email [email protected] See you there!