PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

​Our Lady of Guadalupe, we entrust ourselves to you during the upcoming year of preparation for consecration in the Diocese of Metuchen. You are the patroness of the Americas and we ask you to intercede for our country, our diocese and our families. Draw each one of us to your Son, Jesus, we pray to the Lord.

ORACION DE LOS FIELES

​Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, nos encomendamos a usted durante el próximo año de preparación para la consagración de la Diócesis de Metuchen. Usted es la patrona de las Américas y le pedimos que interceda por nuestro país, nuestra diócesis y nuestras familias. Atrae a cada uno de nosotros a tu Hijo, Jesús, roguemos al Señor.

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that You inspire young people whom You call to priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will. Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, The suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

“Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:1-3

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Letter From The Bishop 

St. John Neumann Pastoral Center PO, Box 191. Meluchen, New Jersey 08840-0191 

P: 732.502.2458 F: 732.562.1427 · E: bishop@diometuchen.org 

June 1, 2020 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Come Holy Spirit! Just like the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room on that first Pentecost, we  prayed this past weekend with expectant faith for the coming of the Holy Spirit to renew the Church and the face of the earth once again! 

Gratefully, as you likely heard, the Governor last Friday announced that health officials have green lighted the incremental list of restrictions in our state and, as part of that, we will be able to safely gather in our churches again beginning on June 12. The clergy of the diocese, along with the good staff who assist them, look forward to welcoming those of you who are able back home to your churches that weekend, when we will appropriately celebrate the true presence of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, on the feast of Corpus Christi. What better way to return to the celebration of in person public Masses in our churches, to be in His presence, as we celebrate His true presence? 

To prepare us for these next steps, guidance was issued to all pastors on May 26 to assist them in their role of facilitating the process of the restoration of Masses with a congregation. These guidelines will need to be made particular for each of our parishes. The way in which your parish might gather for Mass may be a bit slightly different than others, even neighboring parishes. As pastors are in the best position to understand the needs and practices of their own parish communities, it will ultimately be up to the pastor to finalize the specific plans for the parish he leads.

The restoration of Masses with a congregation will be completed in a phased approach, beginning first with the celebration of weekday Masses with a limited number of people (10 or less people present), then in phase 2 with the celebration of Sunday Masses (with only a percentage of the church being used) with more than 10 people at daily Mass present. Infectious disease experts from St. Peter's Hospital helped to develop our procedures for the resumption of communion distribution. In the future, as the general health situation continues to improve, Phase 3 will allow for the celebration of weekday and Sunday Masses with an increased number of people present; somewhat relaxed physical distancing, use of masks and specified procedures for the distribution of Holy Communion. Phase 4 will allow for the celebration of weekday and Sunday Masses with an additional increased number of people present; additional relaxation in physical distancing, use of masks as optional and relaxed procedures for the distribution of Holy Communion. As we await further guidance from health officials, there is no firm date set for each phase. We are in phase I now, and will begin phase 2 on June 12. 

As we work to restore Masses with a congregation, we will do so with the safety of all parishioners, clergy, religious, parish staff, and lay ministers in mind. Therefore, following the guidance of health officials, high use areas within the church will be wiped down with disinfectant before and after each liturgy; restroom facilities will be sanitized after each liturgy and regularly; all hymials and missalettes (and other items) will be removed from the pews and stored for the duration of the pandemic. 

Singing will be limited. In addition, the faithful are encouraged to wash their hands at home and bring their own masks and hand sanitizer, which should be used upon entering the church. Face masks are expected to be worn by all except for the very young (parents are in best position to determine if their child is capable of wearing a mask). 

Out of deep respect for human life and concern for the common good, those in vulnerable groups should stay home and those who are sick or symptomatic must stay home. Priests who do not feel well will not be able to celebrate Mass. Depending on how many people come to Masses, with social distancing, Mass schedules may need to be adjusted. Pastors will have to keep their parishioners informed of changes. 

Understanding that every individual has their own concerns or is not able to return Mass in person, I am continuing to dispense all Catholics in our diocese from the obligation to attend Mass until further notice. No one will be required to physically attend Mass during this period of time. While the obligation to attend Mass is dispensed, I encourage you to keep the Lord's Day holy by some other means. For example, I encourage you to tune into a livestreamed Mass from a local parish within our diocese (www.diometuchen.org/parish-live-streams) or on TV. You can also pray the Liturgy of the Hours, read and reflect on Sacred Scripture, and pray the rosary or some other devotion. 

Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude for your faithfulness and perseverance in these past weeks. I am edified by the reports I get from our pastors and others about the creative ways that so many lave sought to remain connected to the life of the Church. Please know that each day I carry you in my heart, my prayers and daily work. It is your physical safety, health and spiritual well-being that are my constant concern. As we look forward to gathering for public worship again, we have much to be thankful for and many concerns to pray and ref.ect upon. In addition to the scars of the pandemic, now the social landscape of our country is very tenuous; violence and unrest seems to be everywhere on the news. The Christ we follow as missionary disciples calls us to be ambassadors of a "peace the world cannot give." Our nation will find its peace only by turning wholeheartedly to the God of love. May our parishes and schools of Metuchen be places of light, helping to transform fear and anxiety into hope and confidence in God. May we be the instruments of His peace, justice and love wherever we find our life journey right now. 

One day soon, I hope to be back at your parish again. I miss you! It is my joy to be your shepherd 

here in the Church of Metuchen; this is a gifted and wonderful spot in God's Kingdom on earth. I count on your prayers and support to fulfill my mission. May Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us, protect us and lead us safely to Her Son. 

I am grateful to you for your patience in these past few months and assure you that with each day that has passed, I have prayed for you and your families, for your safety and health. I prayed too for the day I would be able to write you and tell you of our joyous return to the public in-person celebration of the Mass. So, know that I miss you and I am praying for you. With renewed confidence in His Holy Spirit, I ask that you please pray for me too as we take these next steps forward in faith, completely listening to Him and trusting in Him, who is always for us and with us! We are facing so many challenges in our world at this time and we need more prayer as we work together on a road forward as we face this worldwide pandemic and for peace and justice in our country. 

With renewed best wishes, I remain 

Yours in Christ, 

Jan T. Chanel Mostkev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA 

Bishop of Metuchen 

950 GROVE AVE.

EDISON, NJ   08820

FATHER ANTHONY WILL BE THE CELEBRATE.

GUIDELINES FOR MASS IN CARS OUTSIDE

EVERYONE MUST REMAIN IN YOUR CARS! PLEASE PARK IN A SPOT THAT DOES NOT HAVE A CONE.EEP IN MIND WE HAVE TO LIMIT ATTENDANCE TO ALLOW PARKING AT 50%!!!

YOU MUST ENTER FROM THE GROVE AVENUE SIDE OF CHURCH!!!

IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST ,  WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN AND HANDS MUST BE OUTSIDE THE CAR.  DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR!!!  

ONE COLLECTION WILL BE TAKEN FOR ALL ENVELOPES.

ONCE THE PARKING LOT IS FILLED, NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED IN.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR THIS BUT THE LIVE STREAMED MASS WILL BE AT 

8:00 AM ON THE WEBSITE AND CHANNEL 15 ON THE EDISON CHANNEL.

ABSOLUTELY NO ONE CAN GET OUT OF THE CAR AND NO ONE CAN BRING LAWN CHAIRS AND SIT ANYWHERE ON THE PROPERTY OTHERWISE WE WILL BE SHUT DOWN AND FINED.

Praying the Rosary with Pope Francis
May 30, 2020
5:30 PM ROME TIME (11:30 AM EST)
Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens
 
“Devoted and with one accord to prayer, together with Mary (cf. Acts 1:14)”. On this theme Pope Francis will lead the recitation of the Rosary on Saturday 30 May, joining the Marian Shrines of the world which, due to the health emergency, have had to interrupt their normal activities and pilgrimages.
The Pope will once again be close to humanity in prayer, to ask the Virgin Mary for help amid the pandemic. The prayer will be broadcast live to the world from the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens at 5.30.pm Rome time.  
The largest sanctuaries of the five continents will be connected online. These include Lourdes, Fatima, Lujan, Milagro, Guadalupe, San Giovanni Rotondo and Pompeii. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of The Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, sent out a letter addressed to the rectors of the shrines to invite them to organise and promote this special moment of prayer in accordance with current health regulations and relevant time zones.  


 
 
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD COLLECTION
     The next St. Vincent de Paul Food Collection will be the weekend of June 14, 2020.  The food pantry’s  patrons have tripled since the coronavirus.  If your means allow, please leave the food in the breezeway the weekend of June 14th. 
     Please do not leave any food after Sunday, June 14th as the pick up is early morning on June 15th.
 

More messages from Father Anthony here





Your Place to Connect With God

As a diverse parish, the community of St. Helena's encourages parishioners to be good stewards through the interaction and involvement of all members with respect and dignity to the poor, the sick and those in need, as well as encouraging the youth to participate fully in parish life

Prayer in time of our common need

In response to the s[read of COVID-19 within our Communities 
"Since we cannot face this alone, we are entrusting this whole situation to our blessed Mother, and encourage our faithful to join as in praying this prayer." - Bishop Checchio
 

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mother of God
And of the people of Metuchen
you always shine on our path
As a sign of salvation and hope.
We rely on you, Health of the Sick,
You who, at the cross, united Jesus' pain,
Keeping steadfast your faith.
You, Salvation of God's people,
You knnow what we need and we are sure
that you will provide for us,
As at Cana of Galilee,
After the adversity of these days,
May joy and celebration return.
Help us, Mother of Divine love,
To conform to the will od the Father
And to fo what we are told by Jesus,
Who has taken our suffering upon Himself 
And has burdened HImself with our sorros
to lead us through the cross,
to the joy of resurrection, Amen.
Under your protection, Holy Mother of God,
Our lady of Guadalupe, we seek refuge,
Hear our pryer and intercede for us in the Father

METHODOLOGY:

o RA was retained by St. Helena's Parish in July 2019 to conduct a Pre-Campaign Study in the Fall
of 2019.
o In total, 509 families participated in the Pre-Campaign Study. This represents a 48%
participation rate out of 1,068 “active” families.
o 46 personal interviews were conducted which included a total of 64 individuals (18 couples).
o Two focus groups were held―32 families participated, 31 submitted surveys.
o All parish families were invited to participate in an in-pew survey or e-survey. There were 393
responses to the in-pew survey and 38 responses to the e-survey.
 

Executive Summary:

o Through personal interviews, focus groups and in-pew/e-survey results, indications of support
totaled $679,509 - $1,001,376. The largest indication of support was $100,000.
o With a careful process of identification and cultivation of major gift prospects, Ruotolo
Associates believes that St. Helena’s Parish should set an initial goal in the range of $1,790,000‒
$2,045,000 for the Quiet Phase of the capital campaign, and if necessary, adjust the goal amount
when entering the Public Phase of the capital campaign. The proposed projects will need
accurate cost estimates before moving forward with the Quiet Phase of the campaign.
o A pre-campaign communication phase is also needed. The results of the Pre-Campaign Study
should be formally presented to the parish prior to starting any fundraising efforts.
o Nearly every single participant’s perception of Father Anthony Siriani is extremely positive.
Father was recognized as being caring, dynamic, enthusiastic, and personable.
o 100% of parishioners interviewed, 97% of focus group participants and 88% of those that
completed the in-pew/e survey felt that communication has been good at St. Helena’s Parish.
o Interview, focus group and in-pew/e-survey participants were asked if they believe a $1.9M
fundraising goal was achievable. 31% of respondents indicated “Yes;” 57% of respondents
indicated “Not Sure;” and 12% indicated “No.”
o 96% of parishioners interviewed, 61% of focus group participants and 56% of those that
completed the in-pew/e-survey indicated that they would financially support a capital
campaign.
o 100% of parishioners interviewed and 100% of focus group participants felt their spiritual
needs were being met at St. Helena’s.
o 87% of all interview participants, 74% of focus group participants, and 69% of in-pew-e-survey
participants responded “Yes” when asked if the Statement of Need reflected the needs of St.Helena’s Parish.

If you were sexually abused as a minor by a member of the a clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement, through the diocesan website (www,diometuchen.org), or by calling Lawrence Nagle, diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection (732) 562-2413