Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings of Peace!

It is good to know that many of you are happy receiving my emails and extremely appreciative, especially the recorded streaming of the concelebrated Mass of Bishop David O’Connell in our very own church in St. Ann last week. Well, you should be excited because you are going to have another concelebrated Mass this Sunday, the 5th Sunday of Lent with the Bishop and myself in our church again. (Please see the link at the bottom under "Links to Livestreamed Masses".)

Since there was a request to have a virtual live-streaming, please know that I will do a live-streamed Daily Mass hopefully by Monday, March 30 at 9:30am when streaming has been set up. So please watch, join me, and let us all pray together as one parish family again.

Although Covid19 has dramatically affected all of us in so many ways, I want to continue to reach out to you with pastoral care and affection.  As Bishop O'Connell decreed and said, our public Holy Week and Easter celebrations will be quite different but the underlying mysteries of our faith in the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection have not changed. They continue to be the source and support of our faith and we will celebrate them this year, even though in a different way. We will do live-streaming on these important celebrations. I will let you know the time of day.

I hope everyone is keeping safe. I am sending you this newsletter to aid you once again in making your Sunday holy. I provide you with this Sunday’s readings, reflection, prayers, and online Mass streaming links.

To so many, even before this Covid19 attacks one’s health it has already attacked one’s mind and spirit. While thousands are bodily sick, millions are infirmed in spirit. Let us also include in our prayers our brothers and sisters who have been victimized by Covid19, not physically but mentally, psychologically, financially and spiritually.

We, the pastoral team and staff, are aware of the plight of so many here in our local neighborhood of the harsh reality this pandemic has caused so many people. Hundreds of our own parish members have lost jobs and livelihood. Food is the primary need, to others lodging and medical necessities, still others transportation. Some children are unable to follow through with education because they do not possess the electronics and equipment needed. Please know that through your generosity we are able to alleviate the deprivations of some of our fellow parishioners and neighbors.

As you know, St. Ann’s has been partners with Lawrence Community Center, Mount Carmel Guild, Homefront, Trenton Rescue Mission, and of course, our very own St. Vincent de Paul Society, for a long time. This partnership has been fortified even more during this crisis. These mentioned groups are in the forefront on helping many affected people in our local area. Our facilities are being utilized, we provide them with your donated food and essentials especially clothing; grocery cards are distributed and even financial aid is at times provided. To those who are able to help, please bring grocery items to the church foyer. Food and gift cards are most convenient, you may drop cards in the NEW drop box that says "Weekly Envelopes Here" that is attached to the wall located by the Gallery of Light. You may also send checks by mail and please note it is for the needy.

Our parishioners’ response to this crisis is one that is heartwarming and full of love to humanity. While some members struggle more than others, many have stepped up and extended loving help. I ask those who able, please continue to help.

Gratitude to all who continue to send in their envelopes and those who use our online giving. For your Easter gift to your Church, if your finances allow, please consider giving more than the amount you usually give. Please continue to support your parish in these trying times.

May God always bless you and your families. Be assured that I include you in the Masses I celebrate privately. Please stay safe and Pray!

PS:
For your safety, our church has been totally cleaned and sanitized since Monday. The church building is therefore locked this weekend and will be reopened the following day. Sorry for the inconvenience. You may, however, use the chapel and the Tabernacle room for your personal and private prayer.