Home

12th Sunday in Ordinary time -Year A

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Jean Améry, a Holocaust survivor tortured by the Nazis, later wrote about the abyss of human evil. He described his reaction as an “indignant despair.” Haven’t we all, to some degree, felt that abyss opened beneath us? A sudden loss, a violent headline, a moment of loneliness or panic, when the world feels fragile and meaning seems to collapse? It is to this fear that Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel: “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body.” (Matthew 10:28) He does not deny evil or pretend we will never suffer. Instead, He reframes the abyss: do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Your life is seen, known, and counted by the Father. Even the hairs of your head, even the sparrow’s fall. This is no superficial comfort. Jesus Himself has entered the abyss: suffering, death, even our sense of forsakenness, and He has come through it. That is why His words, “Do not be afraid,” hold such weight. They do not erase the abyss but build a bridge across it. Faith is not pretending everything is fine. It is staring into the abyss and still choosing trust. And in that trust, we discover we are never alone. Christ stands with us, and the Father’s care surrounds us. That is the only comfort deep enough for our (often fearful) hearts. — Father John Muir
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Let me start this article to wish all our fathers a very Happy and Blessed Father’s Day! May it be one filled with God’s Grace.
I have been asked by a number of people over the years is it proper to wish a priest a “Happy Father’s Day” which I find a bit of humor in the fact that they will start the questions with “Father” is it proper to wish a priest a happy “Father’s” Day. To which I point out that they started their question by calling me Father so of course it is proper to wish a priest a Happy Father’s Day for I and all priests are spiritual fathers but fathers just the same. Speaking for myself the greatest sacrifice I made in responding to God’s call in becoming a priest was the fact that I would never have children of my own, thus, knowing I am a spiritual father and being wished a “Happy Father’s Day” lifts my spirits. Fathers come in all shapes and forms for it is more about love then biology. I will always remember when I went away to college up in New Hampshire, which put me over 6 hours away from family – from my father and alone for the first time in my life. College life for me was great and I loved being there but I did feel alone and at one point in time started to go down the wrong path which I will not go into all the details here and now but there was one professor I had by the name of Professor James Moriarty (for those of you who are Sherlock Holmes fans yes it is the same name as Holmes’ archenemy) and he took me under his wing and steered me back in the right direction, back on the right path and helped me be the best person I could be and do the best I was able to do in college – he became my father away from home. He gave me all the guidance, protection and love a father could give and I will never forget him. Always remember that fathers come in all shapes and forms and that is it proper to wish anyone who holds the title of father or serves as a father in any way, shape or form a Happy Father’s Day. This would include God who Jesus taught us to call “FATHER”.
God Bless you and have a wonderful week, Fr. Michael
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you (2 Cor 13:13).
Today, the Church throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of the most eloquent symbols of the love our Savior has for us. This celebration adores the mystery to which the “Mother Church” of the Archdiocese of Newark, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, is dedicated. This mystery is also an invitation, since it reminds us that the heart of the Church’s mission is always the love of Christ — a love that draws us beyond ourselves in faith, service, and hope. Even amid the challenges facing our local Church, I am encouraged by the faith, generosity, and perseverance I witness each day throughout the Archdiocese of Newark.
When I first proposed the initiative, We Are His Witnesses, I wrote that this effort was primarily about pastoral conversion, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). Pastoral conversion calls us to make a fundamental shift from being an inward-looking Church, focused primarily on maintenance and survival, to becoming a dynamic, outward-looking Church by better understanding and accepting the mission Christ entrusted to us. We have honestly considered the changing landscape of northern New Jersey while staying focused on evangelization and outreach, pastoral care, and the long-term sustainability of our many communities.
One of the guiding principles of We Are His Witnesses is to listen to God and to one another in faith and trust. Over the past months, throughout the Archdiocese, parishioners, clergy, religious, and parish leaders participated in surveys, shared in listening sessions, and offered feedback. I am deeply grateful for your honesty, your love for the Church, and your desire to see our parish communities continue to grow in faith and mission.
As I listened to people across the Archdiocese, some themes surfaced repeatedly. By far, the most common was evangelization and outreach. Many expressed a sincere desire to share the Gospel more personally and invite others into the life of the Church, especially young people, families, and those who no longer take part in parish life. Often, that desire came with a question: “How do we evangelize?” These conversations revealed both a deep love for parish communities and a growing recognition that no parish can carry the Church’s mission on its own.
At the same time, I became aware that collaboration and a faith-filled response take time to discern and develop. This is especially true when the first reaction to We Are His Witnesses was heavily laced with fear for the future of one’s beloved parish. Hearing this led me to announce a “pivot” in March to adapt our strategy, use our resources better, and enable us to work together to fully embrace the call to evangelize.
Collaboration does not diminish the identity of any parish; rather, it affirms that no parish is called to “stand alone.” Every community shares in a mission that extends beyond its own boundaries and serves the wider Church. True renewal begins not with plans, programs, and timelines but with hearts open to the Holy Spirit.
As we move forward, I would like to return to the three questions that have guided this process from the beginning: Where are we now? Where is God calling us to go? How do we get there together?
We have a better sense of where we are now, based upon the feedback you have so generously provided since we began We Are His Witnesses. So, where is God calling us to go?
I believe the Lord is calling us to recognize where our parishes fall short, where the Archdiocese is not present or has not succeeded in leading others to Jesus Christ, and then to work more closely together to respond more faithfully to the needs of the people God loves so much.
What about the third question: How do we get there together?
After prayer, consultation, and careful reflection on all that has been shared, I am inviting every parish community in the Archdiocese of Newark to enter a new phase of We Are His Witnesses, which emphasizes collaboration through Parish Mission Partners.
These partnerships will bring neighboring parishes together to pray, reflect, and discover concrete ways to share the Gospel, strengthen parish life, and serve their neighborhood. Working together, the partners will seek practical ways to support ministry in evangelization and outreach, pastoral care, and long-term sustainability.
Some partnerships may focus on outreach to youth and young adults. Others may work together to promote social justice, lifelong faith formation, or other forms of shared pastoral services. In some cases, communities may discern that a new configuration, including merger with another parish, offers the best path forward. Remember that a parish merger does not necessarily mean a church must close or that the unique culture and identity of a parish community will be irrevocably lost.
Our experience in synodality has already taught us that every parish community has its own gifts, challenges, and opportunities, so these conversations must begin locally. There is no single model for evangelization and parish renewal.
The Archdiocese will accompany these conversations and support parish communities as they develop local plans for ministry.
All parishes in the Archdiocese will eventually take part in similar conversations, though not all at the same time.
Consultation with deans, pastors, Priest Council representatives, and archdiocesan leadership has identified twelve courageous and generous parishes that will lead the way forward. These parishes have already begun meeting and will continue through December of this year.
I sincerely thank these parish communities:
  • Parish of the Transfiguration, Newark
  • St. Antoninus Parish, Newark
  • St. Henry Parish, Bayonne
  • St. John Paul II Parish, Bayonne
  • St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Bayonne
  • Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich Parish, Bayonne
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scotch Plains
  • St. Bartholomew Parish, Scotch Plains
  • Holy Trinity Parish, Westfield
  • St. Helen Parish, Westfield
  • St. Joseph Parish, Bogota
  • St. Anastasia Parish, Teaneck
There are also parishes now facing pastoral and financial challenges that require immediate attention. Representatives from these communities will soon meet with archdiocesan staff to discern next steps and the support needed.
In addition, pastors serving multiple parish communities will meet with archdiocesan staff to review current realities and consider opportunities for collaboration and renewal.
This fall, there will be regional meetings of all pastors and parish leaders to prepare for this next phase. These gatherings will promote conversations among neighboring communities to ensure a shared understanding of the process, enhance communication, and prepare all parishes for the work ahead.
This new phase, which calls for your continuing prayer, participation, and feedback, offers a clear path forward for our Archdiocese. It will help parish communities respond more directly to local needs while strengthening our shared mission as the Church in the Archdiocese of Newark.
Above all, I ask you to continue praying for our parish communities and for all who are helping lead this effort in the months ahead. Let us entrust the future of our Archdiocese to the Holy Spirit and to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sincerely yours in Christ the Redeemer,
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Newark

PRAYER – FOR EVERYDAY AND EVERYBODY

Blessing for the Summer
Praise God!
Pour Your mercy upon this season, Lord! As the days fill with sun, fill our hearts with the fire of Your love. As we gather to share story and song, campfires and connection, be with us. Bless our work, our rest, and our play in Your goodness. Amen.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Mt 10:29-31

SCRIPTURAL REFLECTIONS ON STEWARDSHIP

“Everyone who acknowledges me before other I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.”
Would others know that you are Catholic by the way you act and speak? Do you share your Catholic faith with others? Do you defend your Catholic faith when the situation arises or do you remain silent? Do you pray in public before meals? Pray for the strength and courage to be a joyful witness of our Catholic faith when the opportunity presents itself. Let us become the radiant light and bold witness that we are called to be!
PRAYER REQUESTS
That God will relieve their suffering and restore them to health.
Please pray for: Please pray for: Kellie Salata,, Kelly Chinchar, Jessica, Daniel Breslin, Stanley, Joseph Marrone, Anthony, Michael, Joseph, Jessica Esopo, Steve, Audra, Bernadette, James Weiss, Baby Ford, Rosemary Malangone, Elizabeth Malangone, Sue West, Danny, Colleen Emery, Richard, Joan Russo, Christina Martin, Mornia Evans, Valerie Valverde, Diana McGuckin, Manny Scarangella, Cheryl Prinjinski, Stephen West, Bryan Westfall, Cathy Bruno.
SIN
Question:
A member of my parish was recently arrested for a white-collar crime. I don’t approve of what he did, but he is a great neighbor and a nice person. How should I treat someone like him?
Answer:
There is a litany of expressions that fit this situation: Everyone makes mistakes. Hate the sin, love the sinner. Judge not, lest you be judged. All of these proverbs and sayings highlight the fact that we are here to help each other on the way to salvation. Our hope and goal is that everyone grows in grace, drawing closer to God and to the promise of eternal life. Part of that process is our struggle, collectively and individually, with sin. And that is the ugly part. Sin is not nice, pretty, or inviting when laid out for all to see. Nor is it easy for the person caught in the spotlight. Kindness and support are not the same thing as approval. We recognize that good people can do bad things and, in their struggle, they need the help of others. Our kindness is often the flicker of hope that allows someone to face the consequences of sin while focusing on the promise of redemption. Your desire to help and support your neighbor is the response of grace to sin, and the same response of Jesus to us.
Holy Name Medical Center is looking for Eucharistic Ministers, volunteers, who are willing to help out in giving out Holy Communion to their patients. If you are interested, you can email them at pokafor@holyname.org or call their office at 201-833-3243 or stop by their Pastoral Care Office, behind the chapel, lobby/ground floor at Holy Name Medical Center.
The gift of Bread & Wine for the month of June has been given by Mr. & Mrs. Phil Iacono. The first two weeks are in memory of Angelina & Sebastian Falato and the second two weeks are in memory of Carmela & Salvatore Iacono.
The gift of Altar Flowers for the month of June has been given in memory of Charles Sylvestri by Linda J. Sylvestri.
The gift of the Sanctuary Lamp for the second two weeks of June has been given in memory of the Deceased Members of the Catral & Camacho Families by Paz & Federico Camacho.
Please consider sponsoring our Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, and the oil for the Sanctuary Lamp.
Opportunities for Parish Support
There are several ways you can help support our parish and honor loved ones at the same time. As you may have noticed on the first Sunday of every month in our bulletin, we thank the donors of our Altar Gifts. You can donate the Bread & Wine, Altar Flowers, or the Sanctuary Lamp in a two-week block for $50 in someone’s memory. We have blocks open for this year. We also need to purchase a new Easter candle each year (the tall candle on the altar) for $300-$400 which can also be donated in someone’s memory. You do not have to fund the entire amount, anything you wish to donate towards the purchase of our Easter candle is appreciated. We also have masses available for your intentions. If you wish to honor someone in any of these ways, please call the rectory.
Prayer for our Nation
God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people. Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will. Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death.” Lead us into a new millennium of life. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Praying the ROSARY

The Rosary is a meditation, a time to recall and think about the life of Jesus as seen and experienced by Mary. As the model of faith, Mary’s life sets a pattern that we strive to follow: saying ‘yes’ to God’s will in our lives and sharing His love and message with others. The Mysteries of the Rosary form a mini lesson of faith, using the highlights and significant moments of the life of Jesus. Like paging through a family scrapbook, we see in brief the events of salvation history that are the core of our belief and the hope of our eternal life.
WE NEED BULLETIN ADVERTISERS!!
We would like to thank all the advertisers who have supported us throughout the past year. Our parish benefits greatly from the ads you see in the bulletin. The revenue pays for the printing which is an important means of communication for the parish. If we do not have enough advertisers, the cost of our bulletin goes up. We thank the local businesses that advertise with us especially in these tough economic times. We have some spaces on the back of our bulletin that need filling so if you would like to advertise your business as well as benefit your church, please contact John Patrick Publishing at 1-800-333-3166.

Please support our advertisers at the back cover of bulletin.