Fr. Robert Laws - Rector

rectorstmartinsnj@gmail.com

February 1, 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS


February 8: Baptism and Reception with Bishop French

February 18: Ash Wednesday - 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. masses

BISHOP, CONFIRMATION, AND RECEPTION


Bishop's Visitation Sunday at 8:15 and 10:30.

Please plan to join us on Sunday as we welcome Bishop French and celebrate the confirmation of Christina and the reception of Veronica, Michael, Mike, and Angela into the Episcopal Church. We will also have two parishioners from St. Francis Church who will be received.


A reception will follow. Please email Alison if you can bring an appetizer.

ASH WEDNESDAY - February 18th


There will be two Masses offered on Ash Wednesday: Noon—Low Mass with ashes (no music, no incense) and 7 PM—Sung Mass with ashes.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN SPIRITUALITY


Daily Evening Prayer


Beginning in September, Daily Evening Prayer will be offered and live-streamed on YouTube at 5:30 pm. Following ancient practice, the early church began its daily prayers in the evening, which was considered the beginning of the day. We offer this gift of prayer on behalf of the church and the world, and for those who are unable to pray due to poor health, work schedules, or other obligations.


Father Rob will officiate in the Lady Chapel on Mondays-Thursdays, and Deacon Maureen on Friday-Sundays.


Spiritual Practices Circle


The Rosary will be offered on First Wednesdays after the Wednesday Mass (@6:45 pm). All are welcome to join us. If you have a special intention that you would like us to offer, please tell Fr. Rob+ or Br. Philip.


On the Fourth Wednesday of the month (@6:45 pm), we will explore other prayer practices that may help you deepen and nurture your relationship with God and your neighbor. We will explore Ignatian prayer, centering prayer, guided meditation, Franciscan gazing, adoration of the blessed sacrament, and other forms of prayer. 

ANNUAL MEETING


Thank you for participating in the small group discussions at the Annual Meeting. The vestry will be prayerfully reviewing your thoughts and remarks as we all discern how God is calling us to spread compassion and love in our community.

LENTEN STUDY


Our Lenten Study this year will help parishioners learn more about Carmelite Spirituality, which is one of the major themes of Fr. Rob's Sabbatical Retreat. We will be using John Welch's book, Carmel Notes. It is not available on Amazon. You can order it at: https://www.worldofbooks.com/products/carmel-notes-book-o-carm-john-welch-9781936742301?sku=NIN9781936742301

The cost is $21.  Please let Fr. Rob+ know if you would like to participate, but the price of the book is prohibitive. 

OUTREACH


There is a container on the table in the narthex for quarters for Laundry Love. 


We are collecting bars of soap (not travel-sized) and washcloths or 100% cotton yarn (to be knitted into washcloths). These will be donated to a homeless shelter. There is a container in the narthex. 


The Food Bank is in great need of food items, paper goods, and toiletries for our neighbors in Somerset County. We especially want to focus on personal items and cleaning products, such as toothpaste, feminine products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. Cash and checks are also greatly appreciated. There’s always a container on the stairs leading up to the choir loft. 


If you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Shanklin.

ALTAR FLOWERS AND SANCTUARY CANDLES


Altar flowers and sanctuary candles may be offered in memory of someone or in thanksgiving for a person, event, or special occasion. The suggested offering for altar flowers is $55 per arrangement. The suggested offering for a Sanctuary Candle is $15. Please email the office with details of the person or occasion you wish to honor.

PRAYER LIST


Please send your prayer intentions to Philip at philip.muniz@gmail.com. Please specify whether your request is a 30-day or long-term request. If you want a name removed, you can email Philip.


SHORT-TERM INTENTIONS

  • Len's Aunt Madeline, who fell and is recovering
  • Fr. Jose Cantos, clergy staff at Christ Church, Toms River, and his wife, Mercedes
  • Zac's girlfriend, Grace, is recovering in the hospital
  • Fr. Rob asks for prayers for his cousin, Sonny, who was diagnosed with cancer.
  • Jeff Mostwill Sr., who is now home from the hospital.
  • Pray for Linda after her fall.
  • David, Cindy Meyer's brother.
  • Jack asks for prayers for his son, Brian.
  • Heather asks for prayers for Bryan Crese, her niece's boyfriend.
  • Philip asks for prayers for Rich, who is in the ICU.


LONG-TERM INTENTIONS

(Ongoing)

Michael, Brent M, Anna Rose, Joe, Pat, Brian, Pete, Laura, Amy, Juan, Joan, Domenic, Camille, Barbara, Tim


FOR THE DEPARTED

Pat, Diane, Maureen, Jane, Erten, Sandra, Mary, Frank, Joseph, Ian, Jeff K., Vera, Bunny, Darlene, Denise

RECYCLE/REUSE


We are always collecting the following items:

  • Shopping Bags
  • Empty Pill Bottles with all plastic lids
  • Styrofoam (no food containers)
  • Yarn
  • Unusable pens/markers/pencils
  • Kitchen items (no furniture)
  • Books

Any questions, please contact Kathy Shanklin.

ST. MARTIN'S ON YOUTUBE


You can still see the live stream on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/SaintMartinsEpiscopalChurchBridgewaterNJ


https://www.youtube.com/@st.martinsepiscopalchurchnj 

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