Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Ascension
Over the years, I’ve had mixed feelings about the Feast of the Ascension. As a kid, I can remember wondering why we were celebrating the fact of Jesus leaving us. It would take me time to realize that Jesus hadn’t left. Indeed he was simply present with us in a different way, no longer limited by space and time. I love those words, “I am with you always,” so much so, I used them on my ordination card!
It might be tempting to regard the Ascension as being the end of the story, Jesus became incarnate, lived, suffered, and died, rose again and returned to the father! But as we’ve heard in the Acts of the Apostles readings for the last couple of weeks, Jesus continued to be active in the life of the disciples.
The story of Jesus and his disciples does end with the New Testament. It has been written in the lives of the men and women for 2000 years and it is being written today in your life and mine. No matter what age you are, whether you’re anticipating your whole life ahead of you or feel you’re in the last chapter, there is still a chapter to be written in your life with Christ. Keep writing!
With Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian
Reminder
St. Catharine Church is now open for private prayer. Please see the schedule in the notice below.
Please remember that masks are required at all times while on the church grounds. This is not only for the safety of our visitors but also our priests and worship team.
We are excited to reopen the church for private prayer but need the cooperation of everyone in order to keep it open.
Dear Parishioners,
In accordance with the new recommendations set forth by Bishop O’Connell , we are delighted to be able to welcome you back for private worship. We will be opening St. Catharine Church for private prayer beginning on Wednesday, May 13th at 2PM with the following restrictions.
Please know that this is not only for your protection but also for the protection of your fellow parishioners, priests, sisters, and staff. We need your cooperation to ensure the safety of all our parishioners.
We have prepared and sanitized the church for your visit. All worship aides, pamphlets, and cushions have been removed from the pews as they are not easily sanitized.
- St. Catharine Church will open from 9AM-11AM, 1PM-4PM M-F, 9AM-4PM Sat, 12PM-4PM Sunday.
- No more than 10 people are permitted in the church at one time.
- Face coverings must be worn at all times while on the church grounds and inside the church.
- Please keep to the designated areas for the protection of our priests, sisters, and worship team.
- Please practice social distancing while in the church and on the grounds.
- Please bring and utilize hand sanitizer. We have a minimal supply of cleaning materials.
- As of Monday, May 18th, the town parking restrictions have been lifted.
These restrictions are part of the Diocesan Phase One Reopening. Please click on the link for more details.
I know how much we all long for Eucharist and the public celebration of the sacraments. That too will happen, please God, in time, in Phases II and III, and at a Diocesan level, it is not determined by individual pastors or parishes.
Until then, the live-streaming of Masses and Rosary without the congregation will continue. The church will be closed for private prayer and empty during live-streamed Masses and will reopen for private prayer after Mass.
Thank you for your kind letters and cards of thanks and encouragement to the priests, sisters, and music ministry, it is much appreciated. I’m conscious of how our lives sustained by the sacraments have, in many ways, been put on hold and like you, I pray for the day when we can safely return to seeing each other face to face.
With Love and Blessings,
Fr Damian
Word On Fire
He Is Risen! Video Series
New Video Below
3 Words That Sum Up The Purpose Of Christianity
Help Our Brothers & Sisters In Asbury Park
We have answered the call to help those here in our own backyard. The children and families of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Asbury Park needs our help. Our SCS PTA has donated $1,000 to help feed the students, many of whom relied on the lunch provided at school as their primary meal of the day.
The meals are being prepared and bagged by the staff at Avon Pavilion for quick and easy delivery to the school families.
Families are also in need of non-perishable food and toiletries.
The school families are a unique community of hard-working and devout parents who are dedicated to seeing that their children receive a Catholic education. The obstacles that some are working to overcome are unimaginable. They are most concerned about paying their rent, utilities, and tuition and having food to give their children. These issues are the same across the country when considering families who live and work in unstable financial situations. Any monetary donations that people want to contribute, will be greatly appreciated and help to ease the stress on the families.
Ways to Donate:
- Go Fund Me: Click HERE These funds will go toward providing meals for the children through Avon Pavilion
- Send Checks payable to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School 1220 First Ave. Asbury Park, NJ 07712 Attention: Theresa Craig (Principal) These funds will help families with rent, utilities and other essential items.
- Donate non-perishable food items or toiletries to the plastic bins located outside SCS carport.
- Create a homemade card or message of positivity to share with the families suffering at this time. These cards and messages can also be placed in the plastic bins located at the carport.
"You can't do everything, but you can do something!"
Your involvement makes a difference!
We are SCS! and #proudtobealaker!
Virtual Prayer Book
Do you know someone that is in need of prayers?
Are they sick and need prayers of healing?
Do they need prayers for strength to get through this crisis?
Do they need prayers for patience while homeschooling their children?
Is someone lonely and could use a little lifting up by the Holy Spirit?
Add their name to our Virtual Prayer Book HERE. During the Prayer of the Faithful we will include them collectively by saying, "all those listed in our virtual prayer book" and they will be included along with all of the intersessions we are praying for during mass.
Catholic Charities News
During the Covid 19 pandemic, in addition to onsite services, Catholic Charities has established Tele Health and Tele Mental Health services. Call 800-360-7711.
Food pantries are experiencing a 50% client increase. Pantries distribute prepackaged food bags mornings in Burlington (9:30-11:30) Mercer and Ocean counties (9-12). Go to www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org for directions and information on additional services.
The 20th annual Providence House Domestic Violence Services event, scheduled for June 12th, will be combined with the Catholic Charities virtual gala on September 26th.
Mailing address:
215 Essex Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
215 Essex Avenue
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Venmo: @stcathstmarg
Zelle: 732-904-3850
Zelle: 732-904-3850
Weekly Collections
Although we are not currently hosting public masses, we are doing our very best to maintain a community for our parishioners and friends.
If you are able, please maintain your contributions to the parish. Donations can be mailed, given electronically, or dropped off in the free standing mailbox outside the rectory offices.
This will help us continue to pay our staff, who continue to work, and maintain vital programs and operations.
More information on electronic giving can be found HERE or by contacting Lisa Cole at
732-449-5765x169 or
Lcole@stcatharine-stmargaret.org
Weekly Schedule
Our new streaming system archives all masses and events.
Please see our YouTube channel for all mass recordings and videos
Weekly Bulletin
Check out our beautiful Sunday Bulletin online
Please click on the link above to view
Fr. Chris Dayton's New YouTube Channel
Father Chris from St. Rose will be posting videos on his new YouTube channel.
Check it out below
We're Updating Our Census
In the next few weeks all off our parishioners will be contacted by a member of staff to update their information on file.
We will be collecting the following information:
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Names and Ages of Family Members
The last time we did a large update was in 2010.
If you have any questions please contact the rectory.
A Coronavirus Prayer
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages "curing every disease and illness." Come to our aid now, that we may experience your healing love.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.
Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
Jesus Christ, heal us.
Get Social With Us
We are constantly posting updates while we are maintaining a virtual office.
Please visit us on our social media accounts
Facebook- www.facebook.com/stcatharinestmargaret
Instagram- @stcatharine_stmargaret
Twitter- @stcathstmarg