I hope that everyone is keeping safe and in comfort with the Lord.  I am sending you this newsletter today to encourage you to watch, participate and be one with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he imparts tomorrow a very special blessing " Urbi et Orbi".  Urbi et Orbi is a Latin phrase which is translated: “to the city and the world”. The pope imparts this special blessing usually at Christmas and Easter from the Basilica of St. Peter’s to the city (the Vatican City) and to the world. The “ Urbi et Orbi” blessing offers plenary indulgence, forgiveness of sins to all the faithful who are present and those who are attending through electronic media.

It is good to know that many of you are happy receiving my emails and extremely appreciative, especially the recorded streaming of the concelebrated Mass of Bishop David O’Connell in our very own church in St. Ann last week. Well, you should be excited because you are going to have another concelebrated Mass this Sunday, the 5th Sunday of Lent with the Bishop and myself in our church again.

As we enter this final week before Holy Week the narrative of Jesus’ life on earth builds to a climax. In the Gospels of the last two weeks, Jesus gave water to those who thirsted and light to those who could not see.

Dear Parishioners and Friends,  On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph (today, March 19th), it is the custom in some places to bless bread, pastries, and other food and give portions of these items to the poor. We encourage families to do this simple rite in their homes, and whenever possible share our blessings with our neinghbors who are most in need, always of course observing the protocols being imposed during this period of quarantine - social distancing and washing of hands and the like. 

The Holy See has issued a decree regarding the celebrations of the upcoming Palm Sunday and Holy Week/Easter for implementation by Diocesan Bishops throughout the world. I have issued a decree for the Diocese of Trenton, implementing the directives of the Holy See. These unprecedented measures have been deemed necessary, given the best information we have received from federal, state and local public heath authorities. Although COVID-19 has dramatically affected all of us in so many ways, I want to reach out to you with pastoral care and affection.

In response to this pandemic and in line with our Bishop O’Connell’s latest directives dated March 16, 2020 (please see below) and the guidelines from national and health authorities, the Parish Office of Saint Ann continue to be open BUT with very limited staff only, around 1 to 3 people effective tomorrow, March 17, 2020. Office hours remains from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Indeed, the whole world is shaken, shocked, confused and bewildered over the current health pandemic that is threatening our lives. We are aware that this has already caused so much pain, anguish and trepidations throughout the whole world. Still, there are so many unknowns and questions. No one seems to know the answers just yet.   Here at St. Ann’s, we too do not have the medical cure, neither do we possess the expertise on how to contain, curtail and prevent the spread of the virus. Because we do not have them, let us then leave the finding of the cure to the scientists. Let us leave care of the sick to the medical professionals. Let us leave the creation of order and enactment of regulations to our leaders and authorities. continue reading

Lord Jesus, at your command, the sick were made well! Come to our aid now, in the midst of the Global spread of the Corona Virus, that we may experience your healing love...continue reading for rest of prayer

Parishioners relieved of Mass obligation, churches to remain open; schools, religious education programs and Chancery to close

The fish fry scheduled for tonight, March 13th, is still on. ALL ORDERS WILL BE BOXED FOR TAKE OUT. We apologize for any inconvenience but are taking precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please pick-up your order at the same allotted time. Thank you!