March 5, 2025

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Private piety, public faith

On Ash Wednesday, Bishop Hughes reminds us that making a bold statement about our faith is especially important in the world that we're in right now. Our piety, prayer, fasting, giving – all of that can remain private, but our faith needs to be something that people can see. (Time: 5:29 | Read the transcript.)

Send us your Ashes to Go & Lent photos

Click the button below to upload your parish's photos of Ashes to Go and other Lenten events to the diocesan Communications Office's DropBox. They will be used to create a photo montage for the cover photo on the diocesan Facebook page.

Lent Resources from The Episcopal Church

Visit episcopalchurch.org/lent-resources for Holy Week explainer videos, bulletin inserts, online meditations, and much, much more!

Pandemic Memorial & Gratitude Service

SAT, MAR 8 | 10 AM

Trinity & St. Philip's Cathedral, Newark

As we near the five-year anniversary of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Saturday the diocese will gather to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and also to give thanks for all those who dedicated their time and talent to serve and support others during that extremely challenging time. Find out more.

Children and Family Ministry Forum

Offered by the First Third of Life Commission – Children and Families Ministry Team

SAT, MAR 15 | 9-11 AM | St. Peter’s, Essex Fells

Infant & Toddler Teachers, Sunday School leaders, teachers, children’s ministry leaders and ministers, family ministry leaders, and anyone interested in developing programs in their churches are invited. This is an opportunity to share ideas, build connections with others in our diocese, and explore how this newly formed commission can best support your ministry. Find out more and register online by MAR 10.

Anti-Racism Dialogues

Three Saturdays 9 AM - 12:30 AM

MAR 22 at Cathedral House

MAR 29 & APR 5 via Zoom

Must attend all three sessions for certification

The Anti-Racism Dialogues provide an opportunity to learn, expand our perspectives, and engage in brave and sacred conversations about how race in this country has impacted ALL of us. The training is required for all clergy and those elected or appointed to diocesan offices. Find out more and register online by 5 PM WED, MAR 12.

Diocesan Learning Event

SAT, APR 5 | 9 AM | St. Elizabeth's, Ridgewood

Registration is now open for this half-day, in-person learning event with Mary Foster Parmer, creator and founder of INVITE WELCOME CONNECT, a transformational ministry of evangelism, hospitality and belonging, and author of the award-winning book, Invite Welcome Connect: Stories & Tools to Transform your Church. Cost: $25. Registration deadline: MAR 21. Find out more and register online.

Spring 2025 Confirmations

Confirmation Services

Registration of Candidates by their Clergy or Wardens closes at 5 PM FRI, MAR 14. It will close earlier for individual services that have reached capacity.

SAT, APR 26 | 10 AM | Trinity & St. Philip’s Cathedral Newark - At capacity

SAT, MAY 3 | 10 AM | St. Elizabeth’s, Ridgewood - At capacity

SAT, MAY 10 | 10 AM | Christ Church, Newton

SAT, MAY 31 | 10 AM | Church of the Saviour, Denville

TUE, JUN 3 | 7 PM | Christ Church, Short Hills - At capacity

SAT, JUN 7 | 10 AM | St. Luke’s, Haworth

Youth Confirmation Retreat

Fri, MAR 28 - SAT, MAR 29 | Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center

Registration is open through MAR 21

Adult Candidates Pre-Confirmation Dinner with Bishop Hughes

TUE, MAR 25

Adult candidates have received an invitation from the Bishop's Office with details

Civil Rights Youth Pilgrimage

JUN 26 - JUL 2

Diocesan youth (grades 8-12) are invited to embark on a transformative journey through the Southern United States, exploring the role of The Episcopal Church in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Walk in the footsteps of history!

Cost: $1500 (scholarships available). Space is limited! Find out more and register online by WED, MAR 19.

150th Anniversary Concert

FRI, MAY 16 | 7 PM

Christ Church, Short Hills

Along with an array of music, the concert will include information about the diocese’s past, present and future. Find out more.

150th Anniversary Worship Service

SAT, MAY 17 | 10:30 AM

St. Peter's, Morristown

Celebrant and preacher: The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, 28th Presiding Bishop. Find out more.

Pilgrimage to the American South

WED, JUN 18 - SUN, JUN 22

This pilgrimage is fully booked. To be added to the waitlist, please contact Canon Clark.

For the culminating event of the Diocese of Newark’s 150th Anniversary, a group is joining Bishop Hughes on a powerful pilgrimage through Alabama, retracing the footsteps of history and the brave souls who fought for civil rights. Find out more.

Stewardship of Connection

By Cynthia McChesney

At its heart, stewardship is about investing in what we value. While financial resources are an important aspect, in its fullest sense, stewardship extends beyond financial resources – it is about how we nurture and sustain the resources that build strong, thriving communities.

One of the most valuable resources we have is the power of human connection. Yet today, participation in community organizations – not only churches and other faith communities but also civic groups, PTAs, and more – has significantly declined. Over the past 50 years, participation in community groups has dropped by nearly 50%. This shift has profound implications for our collective well-being. Read more.

In the news

Where to get Ashes to Go for Ash Wednesday in North Jersey: Taking church to the streets

MAR 4 | Bergen Record

College Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year

Gertrude Butts Scholarship Fund

Open to youth who are members of a parish in the Diocese of Newark and demonstrate financial need. Application deadline: April 30.

George E. Rath Scholarship Fund

Open to children of canonically resident clergy. Application Deadline: May 15.

The VOICE Online is published every other Wednesday

Next issue: WED, MAR 19

Submission deadline: FRI, Mar 14, 10 AM

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