|
|
|
 YOU ARE NOT ALONEThe last words of the Gospel of Matthew embody the final words of Jesus to his disciples. “And know that I am with you always, until the end of the world.” These words, spoken just before his Ascension to the right hand of the Father, reassured his disciples and reassure us that, although we cannot see or touch him, he is with us and we are connected. We are not alone. You are not alone. During these two final weeks of Lent, we are usually preoccupied with preparations for the ceremonies of Holy Week and the glorious celebration of Easter. This year is markedly different. Out of love for one another and our neighbor, we wisely stay apart. In its absence, we become poignantly aware of how important the gesture of a human touch is. Also deepened is our awareness that we are all in this together and this “all” embraces the whole of humanity on earth. We are connected in this strange but common experience of being separated. Soon, we will send you information on how you can view the live-streamed Holy Week ceremonies celebrated by Bishop Dennis Sullivan. We are also looking into live-streaming Easter Sunday Mass from St. Thomas More. Although we cannot gather for these important liturgical celebrations, we are joined to one another by what they celebrate, God’s redeeming love for us all. I encourage us all to view them. For those who wish, we will have the opportunity for confession on Saturday afternoons between 3:00 and 4:00 o’clock. Please come to the office entrance and ring the doorbell. I will set up the pastor’s office to maintain the necessary physical distance. Should there be a waiting line, please maintain the six-foot separation from others and, of course, use the hand sanitizer that will be available. It appears that we will need to observe this wise separation for at least another month and probably longer. Please stay in touch by phone or internet regularly with family and friends. Please stay in touch by prayer and reflection with our loving God. And remember that the Lord is with us always.
Msgr. Roger House of Charity/Bishop’s annual Appeal
We are encouraging all parishioners who have not yet donated to make their gifts online, which is the most efficient way for your gift to be processed. You can access the online giving portal by using this link: https://16042.thankyou4caring.org/ Please be sure to designate St. Thomas More as your parish. Our Parish Goal is $120,247.00 Thank you for your generosity to our NEIGHBORS in south Jersey Our Pastor and Clergy: Rev. Msgr. Roger McGrath, Administrator Sr. Ann Byrnes, RSM., Pastoral Associate Office: (856) 424-3212  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.
Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
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.
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.
- From America Magazine |
 |
|||||||||||||
About Our Parish
