The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted those living in poverty the most and Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson's 3 Food Pantries (Father English Center, Paterson; Hope House, Dover; and Partnership for Social Services, Franklin) are giving out more food than ever before. Most months, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson gives out food to 5,000 - 7,000 people at their 3 food pantries. In April of 2020, this number practically doubled, as they helped over 11,000 individuals who are feeling the direct economic impact of COVID-19. Bishop Serratelli has authorized a Catholic Charities Diocesan-wide food collection in all parishes. This year, the drive has gone virtual, and you can shop online and have items directly shipped to Catholic Charities Food Pantries. Visit www.ccpaterson.org/corpus for more information and visit www.yougivegoods.com/ccpaterson-fooddrive2020 to find our parish, and shop for our pantries in need. You may also email: Info@ccpaterson.org or call (973) 737-2077 ext.403 with any questions or to donate food directly to Catholic Charities Food Pantries.

The clothing bins in our lot that support the work of Catholic Charities have been re-open! Your support is appreciated!

Good and gracious God, we stand on the threshold of a new time for our diocese. As we cross that threshold in thankfulness, we ask you to pour out an abundance of grace on our Bishop-elect Kevin Sweeney that he may faithfully assume his ministry among us and that, together with him, we may work for the building up of our local church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“All Catholic cemeteries in the Paterson Diocese will be open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning this Sunday, Mother’s Day, and remain open for visitation every Sunday thereafter. Beginning on Monday, May 11th, visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, allowing the public to visit the cemeteries after all interments are completed. This is to allow cemetery staffs the time to handle internments earlier in the day. Those who visit the graves of their loved ones must observe the requirements of social distancing and maintain a group of no more than 10 persons. These changes will remain in effect at each cemetery as long as health and safety regulations are observed.”

‘LIVE FROM ROCKAWAY…’ – Join the priests and nuns every Thursday evening at 7:30 for a half hour of presentation and discussion on a religious topic, followed by 10 minutes of “Q & A”. It’s an opportunity to continue with our faith formation until we are able to return to our normal religious education program at the church.

BEWARE OF HACKING – Unfortunately evil is always at work and so I share with you a matter that has recently been brought to the attention of churches live streaming liturgical services. There have been reports of hackers breaking into live streaming services and interrupting with obscene language and images. Please know that we are doing everything possible to maintain the integrity of our parish broadcasts. Parents should stay vigilant. May St. Michael the Archangel protect us from this evil. – Fr. Zig

The Mayors of Rockaway Borough and Township have requested that all churches ring their bells each Sunday at 10:00 am to draw attention to the need of prayer for relief from Coronavirus. St. Cecilia will honor this request. Please remember to pray each Sunday at 10:00 am by saying the “Hail Mary”.

The Catholic Charities Clothing Bins located in the church parking lot have been temporarily closed due to COVID-19, therefore, we are no longer accepting any donations. Please do not leave anything here at this time. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.

Holy Thursday, April 9: Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at 7 o’clock in the evening. Good Friday, April 10: Stations of the Cross will be prayed at 12 Noon, Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 o’clock and the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 5 o’clock. On Holy Saturday, April 11: Devotions will be held at 12 Noon. The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night will be celebrated on Saturday evening at 8 o’clock. Easter Sunday, April 12, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 12:30 in the afternoon. PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THESE SOLEMN RITES!

Join us each day beginning at 12 Noon for the Angelus and the Holy Rosary. The celebration of the Holy Mass begins at 12:30. This schedule is 7 days a week. Join your priests and fellow parishioners in prayer each day!

With the closure of the parish office I have provided a DROP OFF BASKET which is positioned at the rectory side door for your use. You can place in the basket your rice bowls, Sunday offerings, etc. You may also leave at the rectory door any donations of food for the needy. You may ring the rectory door bell and we can communicate with you through the answering system (remembering to maintain social distancing). FATHER ZIG

My sincere thanks to those who continue to remember the financial needs of our parish. Your regular and generous Sunday offerings are all we have to pay the bills. Your offerings may be placed at the rectory “Drop Off Basket” or deposited through the front door of the parish office mail slot which puts your offering directly into the building (please do not place it in the mailbox)!

His Excellency, Bishop Arthur Serratelli has informed us that we have a wonderful opportunity to join our voices in prayer with our Holy Father Pope Francis this week. On March 25, Wednesday, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, you are invited to say the Our Father at the time of the Angeles (12 noon). Bishop Serratelli wrote: "At 1:00 in the afternoon, (6:00 in the evening Rome time - FRIDAY, MARCH 27) when the Holy Father will be praying in Saint Peter's Basilica, ring the bells of your church or chapel, or participate in a virtual ringing of the bells through your social media platform. I invite all the faithful to recite an OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY and GLORY BE at this time as they join the Holy Father via television or the internet on the Vatican YOUTUBE channel. When the Holy Father imparts the blessing, those who intend to make a sacramental confession, receive Holy Communion, and offer a prayer for the Holy Father, as soon as possible again, will receive a Plenary Indulgence."

All Mass Intentions which have been received and scheduled will be celebrated privately by the priests. We assure all those who have given stipends for the celebration of the Holy Mass for the living and the deceased will be honored. We continue to encourage people to give stipends for the Holy Mass in the future by calling the parish office. During this critical time, all parishioners are encouraged to say the Rosary at home each day. Parents should gather their children for this devotion asking our Lord through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to come to our assistance during this time of trail and that healing and restoration will be a reality in our time. Please know that the church is open everyday for private prayer Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 12 noon and Saturday & Sunday 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Also, Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament will take place Monday through Friday 6:30 am to 9:30 am - Saturday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and Sunday from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon.

All Liturgical Ceremonies including Sunday Masses, Daily Masses, Monday Night Confessions and other Devotions have been cancelled until further notice.

Due to the coronavirus, all religious education classes and parish meetings are cancelled until further notice.

The Craft Fair scheduled for Saturday, March 21st, has been cancelled!

Generations of Faith for Friday, March 13th, is postponed. Our next event is April 3rd.

Our next baptismal class will be held Monday, March 16th, at 7:00 pm in the parish office. Our baptismal classes are always held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the parish office. Pre-registration is not necessary.

Bishop Serratelli extends an invitation to all of us to join with him and all the priests of the Diocese of Paterson in the celebration of the annual Chrism Mass which will be held on Holy Monday, April 6th in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Paterson. The liturgy begins at 7 o’clock in the evening at which time the Bishop blesses the oils which will be used in the parishes of the diocese for the administration of the sacraments. Free parking is available in the county garage located adjacent to the cathedral located on Grand Street in Paterson. The cathedral is located on the corner of Grand and Main Streets.