March 5, 2021
eNewsletter
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Sunday: 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 12pm
Saturday: 8:30am, 5pm
Monday - Friday: 7am, 8:30am
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A Note From Our Pastor, Fr. Mike Hall |
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In 2019 there was much hand-wringing in ministerial circles of the Church over a Pew Research study that indicated a majority of Catholics did not believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Following its revelations, there were arguments over the methodology of the survey, how it was conducted, and the language used in the questions asked…had a lack of clarity confused some of the responses? While some of those arguments lessened the shocking nature of the survey’s results, it was still clear: a large number of Catholics do not believe in the real presence of Christ (Body and Soul, Human and Divine) in the Eucharist, and even amongst those that do, many could not clearly articulate that belief. This is both a failure of the Church (myself included) to catechize the great gift that is the Eucharist, and also a lack of interest by many faithful to truly understand and appreciate how incredibly awesome the Sacrament we have the chance to celebrate every week and nearly every day, truly is.
I bring this up because it is important, but also because of something that occurred here at St. Gregory’s the last few weeks. Two weeks ago, half of a consecrated host was found, after a Sunday Mass in the trash can in the gathering space, and another was found on the floor in one of the aisles. This past week, an attendee was stopped on their way out of Church as they were preparing the discard the host they had just received. These are sorrowful, and let’s not mince words, sacrilegious events. They should, rightly, cause us to react strongly. However, in these situations, while there are those in the world, who have malicious intent when it comes to desecrating the sacrament, I don’t think that was the case in these situations. I believe, after seeing what happened, that all three of these were instances of ignorance by Mass attendees.
As a people we could blame and judge those who did this. However, as a Church, if this truly was from a lack of understanding, then, I think, the first thing we need to do as both clergy and catechists, as well as a people charged with teaching the faith to our families and those around us, is to strengthen our own understanding of our faith, the sacraments, and our practice and commit ourselves to showing the Eucharist it’s due reverence. In this way, we can model through words and actions, the Church’s faith in sacred nature of the Eucharist, and how unworthy we can be of its grace.
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Novena to St. Joseph: March 10-18 |
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ALTAR ROSARY UPDATE
The Cross is a symbol of our Christian faith, reminding us of Jesus' sacrificial love for us; "Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world." How appropriate for us all to display the Palm Cross during this holy season on our front lawn, in a wreath, at the grave site of a loved one, or as a gift to someone you love. Consider placing a chocolate cross on your Easter table that will also serve as a delectable after dinner treat for all to share.
The Altar Rosary's traditional Palm Crosses and Easter candy spring sale is taking place online this year. Orders may be placed any time before March 19. Pick-up is on March 20/21 after weekend Masses. For more information and to place your order please visit: StGregorytheGreatChurch.org/springsale
In honor of the Year of St. Joseph the Altar Rosary invites all to join them every Wednesday in March at the 8:30am Mass followed by the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary and the Litany to St. Joseph. St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
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2021 PROJECT APPALACHIA
After unfortunately having our 2020 annual trip canceled due to the COVID19 pandemic, we are going to try again in 2021. The trip will be from July 17 - 24, 2021. Of course COVID19 will still play a major role in the trip being a go, and we will need to abide by state / diocese protocols and guidance. Due to the Pandemic we will most likely accommodate a smaller group, so any interested teen / adult should contact Rich Pieslak ASAP if they want additional information.
While all interested adult volunteers will be considered, we have a particular need for individuals in the healthcare profession, have experience working with teens (teachers, coaches, youth ministry), kitchen staff, and individuals who have some carpentry / building knowledge. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Rich Pieslak: [email protected]
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KOFCORNER
Every Saturday, the Knights are at their tent, from 9-11, collecting non-expired, non-perishable food items. If you do not see the tent, you can always leave your donation in the gathering space in the Church vestibule.
40 Cans for Lent
During this Season of Lent, the Knights of Columbus ask that you participate in this year’s “40 Cans for Lent.” Please place one canned item a day into a large box in your home every day (except Sunday.) Then, drop off your box in the Church gathering space or at the Knights tent on Palm Sunday March 28, 2021 between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Your food donations will help support the Knights’ food pantry and be used for the needy during the Easter season and beyond.
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RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE
Some Very Good News
Options for Women, Trenton recently hosted their Open House last week. They are now open! This is the newest Pregnancy Resource Center providing for Crisis Pregnancies in Mercer County and beyond. They are located at 945 West State Street near Cadwallader Park.
At the Open House, Director Kim Sanford greeted visitors and shared their mission, “We provide a compassionate environment where women can explore their options before making a life or death decision.” Kim proudly showed off the facility along with the new ultrasound machine! They offer free pregnancy verification, prenatal counseling, non-diagnostic ultrasound testing, plus maternity and baby needs. They also offer classes and education including labor and delivery, infant care, and breastfeeding.
Our Parish can be proud to note Rich Pieslak representing the Parish Knights of Columbus delivered over 10 cases of diapers, 14 packs of wipes, 100 baby booties, formula, toys and clothing. The donations were directly from the Knights as well as part of the ongoing weekly Saturday morning drive.
Help spread the good news about local Pregnancy Centers such as Options for Women, Legacy of Life Foundation and ChoiceOne, which are all local centers dedicated to supporting women as they choose life.
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CAREER SUPPORT GROUP
St. Gregory the Great's Career Support Group will hold their next virtual meeting on Saturday, March 20 at 8:30 am. The topic is "How Recruiters Use LinkedIn" with job search expert Ed Han. All are welcome. There is no charge to participate. The SCG Group holds monthly meetings featuring different career experts and topics to help you advance in your career or job search. Visit careersupportgroup.org for more information.
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PRAYER REQUESTS For prayer requests, please contact parishioners Tom & Pat Krosnowski at 609-586-2320 or email them at [email protected].
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Alliance of Two Hearts
The Alliance of the Two Hearts encourages a family devotion of attending First Friday and First Saturday Mass. This devotion is dedicated to supporting Catholic family life, and Our Lady's call to spread a "community of love".
Join the St. Vincent de Paul and St. John the Baptist Legion of Mary for the Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary on First Friday, March 5th to Saturday, March 6th at St. John the Baptist Church. The Devotion begins at 9:00 PM with Mass for the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Adoration, Confessions, Sorrowful Mysteries, Reading of the Offices, 11:30 PM Mass for the Sacred Heart of Mary. If you’d like information contact: Carol Callahan at 609- 651-1762.
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A Retreat for Widows
Marianist Family Retreat Center, Cape May Point, NJ
Join with other widows as we look at our own individual stories for courage and wisdom. We home to discover how in the sharing of our stories we continue to find strength and hope. There will be time for sharing in small groups, Eucharist and other appropriate liturgies. Beach walks, socials and nice conversation are included! Cost: $145pp (all single rooms due ot Covid restrictions) Sign up online at www.capemaymarianists.org or call (609) 884-3829 to register.
Villa Victoria Academy 50/50 to benefit Villa Victoria Academy. Tickets are $100 each. Only 800 tickets will be sold. Three prizes! If all 800 tickets are sold the prizes will be: First prize: 50%=$20,000 Second prize: 30%=$12,000 Third prize: 20%=$8,000 Drawing is Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 8 pm. The luck of the Irish be with you! For tickets: Contact Anita Toth at 609-882-1700 ext. 401 Monday to Friday.
Francis House of Prayer in Allentown, NJ serves the people of the Diocese of Trenton and beyond by providing a contemplative environment for ongoing spiritual growth through Contemplative Prayer, Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, Spiritual Direction, Weekend Retreats, 7-Day Silent Directed Retreats, Monthly Programs, One-Day Programs, Study of the Spiritual Masters, Ignatian Discernment of Spirits and Intern Program for Spiritual Directors that foster a deepening relationship with God, self, others and the world. LEARN MORE...
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Church of St. Gregory the Great
Rev. Michael Hall, Pastor
4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
609-587-4877
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