Pastor Weekly Message For May 30, 2021

Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has been our goal here at Saint Mary’s to make Holy Mass and the  Sacraments available to our parishioners in whatever means we could. We have been celebrating parking lots Masses and live-streaming Masses over 15 months. We have opened the Church to provided Eucharistic

Adoration and re-establishing the Adoration Chapel as soon as we were allowed. In addition to the Sacraments, we are so proud that Saint Mary School is able to provide five day in-person instruction since the school re- opened in September, never missing a day. All of this took a lot of hard work and “thinking out of the box”  from our amazing parish staff and volunteers to make all this happen. I want to thank the staff, volunteers and all our parishioners for your faithfulness, support, and patience during the pandemic. You all have been amazing!

Now we are moving closer to normalization of a parish life. The Bishops of New Jersey have lifted the dispensation from Holy Mass for Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation effective June 5th and 6th, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Jesus. We look forward to welcoming all our parishioners back to Mass. Please note that 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.

The Governor of New Jersey has also lifted the 50% capacity for houses of worship. No social distancing is  required, nor wearing of a mask. This means that all parishioners can come back to Mass with full capacity in Church. Having said that, please remember that the COVID pandemic is still active and wearing masks is still an option for those who want to continue wearing them. Those who are unvaccinated are also encouraged to  continue wearing masks.

Next weekend is the Solemnity of Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, commonly known as the Feast of Corpus Christi. All are invited to join us at the 10:00am Mass on Sunday, that will be followed by a Corpus Christi procession, concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at Saint Mary Chapel. I would like to make a special invitation to all the Adorers of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel to join us on this special day that we honor the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Monday is Memorial Day. Please join us for a 9AM Mass in Mary, Mother of God Church as we remember the souls of the men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom. May they rest in the arms of Christ.

Have a blessed week!

In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor