Updated as of 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2021
Due to the weather forecast of very cold temperatures and wind chill this weekend (January 23 and 24), the Saturday 4:00 p.m. Parking Lot Mass and the Sunday 10:00 a.m. Parking Lot Mass WILL be celebrated at the usual times but the priest-celebrant will be indoors in the Upper Church along with the musicians, lector, ushers, and Eucharistic Ministers. Mass-goers ARE welcome to attend these Masses in the Parking Lot in their cars....Communion WILL be distributed....and these Masses WILL be celebrated and conducted as follows.
Both Parking Lot Masses will be live-streamed as usual via the parish website (ww.stmichaelnj.com) and the parish YouTube channel. These two Parking Lot Masses may be heard on FM radio 92.1 within a one-mile radius of St. Michael's. Communion WILL be brought to those in their cars in the Parking Lot and to those in the Upper Church and Lower Church immediately after the conclusion of each of these Parking Lot Masses. For those who wish to attend either of these two Parking Lot Masses indoors, a limited number of seats will be available (under the covid safety/health guidelines as follows): the Upper Church will be open and available beginning at 3:45 today/Saturday and at 9:45 tomorrow/Sunday for up to fifty (50) Mass-goers plus the ushers and Eucharistic Ministers and the Lower Church will be open and available at the same times for up to fifty (50) Mass-goers. Social distancing, face masks, etc. to be observed please by all in both the Upper Church and Lower Church. Face masks to be worn please at Communion time by Mass-goers in their cars in the Parking Lot. Please stay warm and stay safe and healthy. God bless.
Pastor's Note: Bishop O'Connell issued the following message on Monday, August 17, 2020 inviting all Catholics of our Diocese to pray the Rosary daily through October 7 (the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary) and to include among our prayer intentions those listed below. For many years the Rosary has been prayed after the daily Morning Mass here at St. Michael's by a group of parishioners on Mondays and Saturdays. The Rosary will be prayed as a group as follows through October 7 consistent with Bishop O'Connell's invitation: on Mondays through Saturdays in the church immediately after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and on Sunday in the church immediately after the 7:00 p.m. Mass. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
PRAYING THE ROSARY DAILY:
A MESSAGE AND INVITATION FROM BISHOP O'CONNELL
For centuries Catholics have turned to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession in times of need by praying the Rosary. This great prayer, whose origins date before the 12th century, uses a meditative repetition of prayers that invoke the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she leads us to consider the mysteries in the life of her Divine Son, Jesus. History has shown this to be a powerful, effective and calming prayer that has truly changed hearts and lives over the centuries of its use.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen once said of the Rosary that it is “the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known; it is the book of the simple, which initiates them into mysteries and knowledge more satisfying than the education of other men; it is the book of the aged, whose eyes close upon the shadow of this world, and open on the substance of the next. The power of the Rosary is beyond description.”
As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I invite all Catholics in the Diocese of Trenton to consider making this powerful devotion part of your daily life of prayer. Please join with me in praying Our Lady’s Rosary every day between now and October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, for the many intentions and needs of our nation today, especially for a true respect for life in all its stages from conception to natural death; for the strengthening of marriage and family life; for an end to the COVID 19 pandemic and for all those impacted by it; for a lasting resolution to the racial tensions and injustices that have too long afflicted our country; for an end to the violence and death in our cities, especially among the young; for the victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking; for the poor, the unemployed and those who face economic hardship and for so many of the other intentions and needs that we face in our country and world.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of Trenton
Outdoor Parking Lot In-Car Masses
• Communion distributed in cars at end of Mass.
• Tune your radio to 92.1 FM.
• Live-stream available at parish website and You Tube.If inclement weather the priest and Eucharistic Ministers will re-locate to the Upper Church. Church and re-strooms will be closed to the public during the Mass.
• Face masks are required at these Masses. Everyone's cooperation is appreciated.
Public In-Church Masses
• Communion will be distributed only inside the Church. No parking lot in-car Communion.
• Upper and Lower Church open with limited seatingin compliance with social distancing guidelines.
• The Upper Church Mass will be viewable on the Lower Church TV monitor.
• Face masks are required at these Masses. Everyone's cooperation is appreciated.
Regarding Outdoor Parking Lot In-Car Masses and Other Masses at St. Michael’s
A Message from Fr. John and Fr. Mark
As we gradually emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown, Bishop O'Connell has granted permission for parishes to celebrate outdoor parking lot "in-car" Masses as part of the phased re-opening of our churches. Masses have been celebrated in the parking lot here at St. Michael’s beginning with the May 23-24, 2020 weekend and will continue to be celebrated in our parking lot through at least the last weekend in October (and perhaps beyond that date depending on the weather, volunteer manpower and womanpower, and other factors). A decision regarding the continuation or termination of the parking lot Masses past the end of October will be made and announced in late October and will also depend on the status of the coronavirus, on Diocese and State public health guidelines at that point in time, and on the level of cooperation with those guidelines in the parish and in the community. Two Masses will be celebrated this coming weekend outdoors in our parking lot as follows (with Holy Communion distributed to Mass-goers in their cars at the conclusion of each such Mass; please wear face masks when receiving Communion during the parking lot Masses; please see the details below):
Saturday, January 23rd at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 24th at 10:00 a.m.
GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE CHURCH:
• Our church has re-opened on a limited, phased-in schedule for public in-church Masses, Confessions, baptisms, weddings, and funerals (and parking lot Masses on weekends) and all in accordance with all the guidelines for public health and safety prescribed by the Diocese, City, and State. Please see the schedule of Masses, Confessions, and private prayer hours on this website home page and also in the parish weekly bulletin on this website and the more detailed statement of guidelines on this website. A few of the key points of the health and safety guidelines are listed below.
• Faithful from at risk groups as identified by the CDC/New Jersey Department of Health should remain at home.
• No more than 48 visitors in the Upper Church and 50 visitors in the Lower Church at any one time.
• Social distancing (minimum of six (6) feet between visitors) to be observed.
• Wearing of face masks is required for all those making visits to the church.
• Only one door is to be used to enter and exit. For the Upper Church: the door on the north side of the building at the top of the ramp. For the Lower Church: the door on the north side of the building near the parking lot. In case of an emergency all doors of the church are unlocked and available for exiting the building.
• The public restroom facilities in the Lower Church will be closed to all as a preventive health measure.
• Please do not leave in the church any prayer cards or pamphlets or similar items.
• All visitors are encouraged to bring their own disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers.
• No gatherings for conversation please at the church entrance, steps, courtyard, and parking lots.
• Specific areas and pews for seating during Mass and private prayer time are designated by red rope.
Media reports have indicated significant spikes in coronavirus cases in 21 states that have re-opened or relaxed restrictions. As we approach the first weekend of public, in-church Masses, I remind the Diocese of our directions, lest there be any confusion:
1. COVID-19 is still extremely contagious, especially indoors or in closed settings;
2. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday/Holy Day Masses remains in effect so that all Catholic faithful, in good conscience, are not required to be physically present in church; live-streamed Masses will continue in most parishes;
3. Anyone who is sick or at risk should not come to church; that is not punitive but, rather, common sense and an act of charity toward your neighbors;
4. All parishes are expected to abide by occupancy and other regulations of the Diocese with care;
5. Masks must be worn (no exceptions), physical contact of any kind must be avoided, social distancing must be practiced, proper sanitation must be observed at all public, in church Masses;
6. Before attending public, in church Masses, the Catholic faithful are asked to consider any possible health and safety risks involved.
We have resumed scheduled Confessions on the timetable that you will find at the top of this website home page under the heading "Schedule of Confessions (All Confessions are Outdoors)". We ask all penitents to be familiar with and to follow the Confession-related guidelines that also follow. Confession has always been available during the pandemic lockdown for urgent needs and by appointment and that will continue as well.
All of the Confession times listed above will be conducted outdoors on the church courtyard or (in the event of inclement weather) on the portico on the north side of the church. The confessionals in the church will not be used for any of these Confession times.
PARISH LIVE STREAM
ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, St. Michael's Church will be broadcasting a live stream of the 4:00 P.M. VIGIL MASS beginning at 4:00 P.M. Click the link below to view.
ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, St. Michael's Church will be broadcasting a live stream of the 10:00 A.M. MASS beginning at 10:00 A.M. Click the link below to view.
The next weekend live stream Masses after the January 30-31 weekend will be on Saturday, January 30 at 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, January 31 at 10:00 a.m. Each of those live stream Masses will also be an outdoor parking lot in-car Mass with Holy Communion distributed at the conclusion of the Mass. Please visit this parish website for updated information on the dates and times of live stream Masses and outdoor parking lot Masses at St. Michael's.
Saturday 4:00 P.M. Vigil Mass, January 23, 2020
Sunday 10:00 A.M. Mass, January 24, 2020
(Content will appear in the above links simultaneously with the specified start time of the particular Mass.)
ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH RE-OPENED ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 FOR PRIVATE PRAYER ONLY, AND RE-OPENED FOR PUBLIC IN-CHURCH MASSES (LIMITED SEATING) ON JUNE 8
(please carefully review the following for relevant details and guidance)
St. Michael’s Church re-opened on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 for private prayer and worship. The building hours for private prayer time are announced from week to week and are noted below. The public health and safety guidelines and procedures that will be followed at all times for the protection of all are also listed below and posted in the church.
The May 13 re-opening was part of Phase I of a gradual, phased-in re-opening of the church and restoration of Masses and Sacraments. We are all extremely eager to return to a full schedule of public celebration of Masses and the Sacraments but in the meantime patience, prudence, and prayer as well as cooperation, thoughtfulness, and safety are the watchwords and the guiding stars.
Monday-Saturday........................8:00 a.m.
Monday.......................................7:00 p.m.
Please note: limited seating, social distancing, face masks are required; public restrooms are not open; no pre-Mass Confessions until further notice; other health and safety precautions as noted on this website and on signs posted in the church)
Palms were not distributed during the Palm Sunday weekend. Palms will be blessed and distributed at a later date to be announced.
Scheduled Sacramental Confessions resumed on June 8 at St. Michael's. The schedule for Confessions is noted above on the home page. Confession has always been available during the pandemic lockdown for urgent need and by appointment and that will continue as well. For urgent needs and health-related situations the parish priests are readily available to respond and may be contacted by phone for making appropriate arrangements. In those cases please contact the parish priests by phone (732-222-8080) at the parish office or through the parish office's after-hours answering service. The faithful are reminded that those who cannot get to Confession because of the COVID-19 virus situation (or another serious reason) can go to God directly in private prayer, be specific about their sins, request pardon, and experience God’s loving forgiveness. Do what the Catechism of the Catholic Church says and has said for many years. If Confession with a priest is not available, then pray to and speak directly with God, your Father, and tell Him the truth, say “Lord, I did this, this, this. Forgive me,” and ask for pardon with all your heart. Make an Act of Contrition and promise God, “I will go to Confession afterward when it becomes available again and as soon as possible at that time, but forgive me now.” And immediately you will return to a state of grace with God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Section 1452) says: “When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect’ – contrition of charity. Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sines if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental Confession as soon as possible.” Please remember that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39) He has not abandoned us and we have not abandoned Him.
THE COVID-19 SITUATION: KEY POINTS OF INFORMATION & UPDATES
• Collection envelopes may be mailed to or dropped-off at the parish business office or dropped-off in the mailbox near the side door of the rectory. We are extremely grateful for the financial support of our parishioners and visitors during the pandemic. Your support enables us to continue providing necessary services and to meet the parish's financial obligations.
The COVID-19 Situation: ADDITIONAL UPDATES AND RELEVANT INFORMATION
• Please remember that Bishop O’Connell has granted a DISPENSATION from the OBLIGATION to attend weekend/Sunday Mass and Holy Day of Obligation Mass to all the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Trenton until further notice. The Bishop recommends that the faithful pray and take advantage of/participate in Holy Mass as broadcast on television and radio. Weekly collection envelopes may be mailed to the parish office and may also be dropped off at the parish office during business hours.
DECREE
In time of COVID-19
As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I promulgate the following decree regarding the liturgies of Palm Sunday and Holy Week throughout the territorial Diocese of Trenton to assist the clergy and the faithful in the spiritual celebration of the Paschal Mysteries.
Do you know someone who is carrying the grief of a past abortion? There is always hope. The pain and sorrow of abortion does not need to endure for a lifetime. A “Day of Prayer and Healing” offers the opportunity to experience the love and mercy of God and to respond to His invitation to begin the journey of healing the wound of abortion. For upcoming dates, locations, and confidential registration, or just to talk to a Sister, please call the Sisters of Life at (866)-575-0075 (toll free) orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Know someone needing assistance with food, housing, drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence or immigration? Contact Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.
Click a Link Below to View Our Previous Live Stream Broadcasts
• 1/17/2021 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 1/16/2021 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 1/10/2021 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 1/9/2021 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 1/3/2021 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 1/2/2021 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 12/27/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 12/26/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 12/25/2020 | Christmas Mass | 11:00 a.m.
• 12/24/2020 | Christmas Eve Mass | 6:00 p.m.
• 12/24/2020 | Christmas Eve Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 12/19/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 12/13/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 12/11/2020 | Mass on Friday of Advent | 5:30 p.m.
• 12/11/2020 | Eucharistic Adoration
• CCD Musical Moment - December 2020 - Grades 5-8
• CCD Musical Moment - December 2020 - Grades 1-4
• 12/6/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 12/5/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 11/29/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 11/28/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 11/22/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 11/21/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 11/15/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 11/14/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 11/8/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 11/7/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 11/1/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 10/31/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 10/25/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 10/24/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 10/18/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 10/17/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 10/11/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 10/10/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 10/4/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 10/3/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 9/27/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 9/26/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 9/20/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 9/19/2020 | Mass of the Holy Spirit
• 9/19/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 9/13/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 9/12/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 9/6/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 9/5/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 8/30/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 8/29/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 8/23/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 8/22/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 8/16/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 8/15/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 8/9/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 8/8/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 8/7/2020 | First Friday Mass in Latin 12:15 p.m.
• 8/2/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 8/1/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 7/26/2020 | Sunday Mass (Homilist: Deacon RJ Ballacillo) | 7:00 p.m.
• 7/26/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 7/25/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 7/19/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 7/18/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 7/12/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 7/11/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 7/5/2020 | Sunday Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 7/4/2020 | Saturday Vigil Mass | 4:00 p.m.
• 7/4/2020 | 4th of July Parking Lot Mass & Prayer Service | 9:00 a.m.
• 7/3/2020 | First Friday Mass in Latin | 12:15 p.m.
• 7/2/2020 | Funeral Mass for Paolo Panduri | 11:30 a.m.
• 6/28/2020 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass
• 6/27/2020 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 6/21/2020 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass
• 6/20/2020 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 6/14/2020 Feast of Corpus Christi | Eucharistic Procession & Holy Hour | 12:00 Noon
• 6/14/2020 Sunday Mass for Corpus Christi | 10:00 a.m.
• 6/13/2020 Vigil Mass for Corpus Christi Sunday | 4:00 p.m.
• 6/13/2020 First Holy Communion Mass | 10:00 a.m.
• 6/7/2020 10:00 a.m. Mass (Unavailable due to technical issues)
• 6/6/2020 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass (Unavailable due to technical issues)
• 6/5/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass & Eucharistic Adoration
• 6/5/2020 First Friday 12:15 p.m. Mass in Latin
• 6/1/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass
• 5/31/2020 Pentecost Sunday 10:00 a.m. Mass
• 5/29/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass
• 5/25/2020 Memorial Day, 8:00 a.m. Mass
• 5/24/2020 Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Mass
• 5/23/2020 Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 5/22/2020 Friday, 5:30 p.m. Mass
• 5/18/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass and Eucharistic Adoration concluding with Benediction and Grace
• 5/17/2020 Sunday, 12:00 Noon Mass (and Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary)
• 5/16/2020 Saturday, 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 5/13/2020 6:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/13/2020 3:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/13/2020 12:00 Noon Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/13/2020 9:00 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/11/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass & Holy Half Hour with Eucharistic Adoration
• 5/10/2020 12:00 p.m. Mass & Holy Half Hour with Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/9/2020 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 5/4/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass & Holy Half Hour with Eucharistic Adoration
• 5/3/2020 12:00 p.m. Mass, May Crowning, Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary
• 5/2/2020 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 5/1/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass & Holy Half Hour with Eucharistic Adoration
• 5/1/2020 12:45 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 5/1/2020 12:15 p.m. Mass in Latin
• 4/27/2020 5:30 p.m. Mass and Eucharistic Adoration
• 4/26/2020 Sunday, Eucharistic Adoration and Rosary
• 4/26/2020 12:00 p.m. Mass
• 4/26/2020 10:00 a.m. Mass
• 4/25/2020 4:00 p.m. Mass
• 4/20/2020 5:30 p.m. Daily Mass
• 4/19/2020 12:00 Noon Sunday Mass
• 4/18/2020 Saturday 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass
• 4/12/2020 12:00 Noon Easter Sunday Mass
• 4/12/2020 7:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass
• 4/11/2020 Great Easter Vigil
• 4/10/2020 Good Friday 5:30 Stations of the Cross
• 4/10/2020 Good Friday Passion of the Lord
• 4/9/2020 Mass of Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday)
• 4/8/2020 Parish Day of Prayer
• 4/6/2020 Family Holy Hour
• 4/5/2020 12:00 Noon Mass
• 4/3/2020 Stations of the Cross
• 4/3/2020 12:15 PM Latin Mass
• 3/29/2020 12:00 Noon Mass
• 3/22/2020 12:00 Noon Mass