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.

CHILI COOK-OFF

This is a friendly competition where we can taste different chilis and have a wonderful night of fellowship. You only have to make one crockpot of chili. If you'd like to compete or attend, please email me so that I can gauge interest. The event will be in either March or April.

2025 GIVING STATEMENTS

2025 giving statements were emailed out this past Saturday, 2/14. If you don’t see yours, please check your spam folder. If you still don’t see it, or if there are mistakes, please email the church office. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN SPIRITUALITY



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. 

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.  Please read Part One for our discussion on Monday, February 23rd.

FR. ROB'S SABBATICAL

Fr. Rob will be going on sabbatical from March 29 to June 24th. To find out more about his sabbatical, please follow this link to our webpage: https://www.stmartinsnj.org/father-robs-sabbatical/

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.