Sunday, February 9th is “World Marriage Day”, a celebration of the covenant binding a man and a woman for life. In honor of this commemoration a blessing will be bestowed upon all married couples at the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, February 8th.

The season of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 26th with the distribution of ashes at the morning Masses at 6:30 and 8 o’clock and the evening Mass at 7 o’clock. Ashes will also be distributed at the Liturgy of the Word service which will take place at 4:30 in the afternoon. Let’s begin this holy time in the tradition which has been handed down to us from the Early Church.

NEXT SUNDAY – CANDLEMAS – Next Sunday, February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. This feast marks the 40th day and leave-taking of Christmas. It is the feast which commemorates the day when the Baby Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem and was met by Simeon and Anna. At this meeting the Lord Jesus is recognized as the “light of revelation to the gentiles,” and for this reason candles are blessed on this day. A procession will take place at all Masses next weekend with the blessing of candles. Should you like to bring a candle from home to be blessed you are invited to do so.

The traditional blessing of the throat will take place next Sunday, February 2nd in honor of the feast of Saint Blasé, Bishop and Martyr, whose feast in Monday, February 3rd. The blessing will take place at the conclusion of all the Masses next weekend.

WORLD MARRIAGE DAY – Sunday, February 9th is “World Marriage Day”, a celebration of the covenant binding a man and a woman for life. In honor of this commemoration a blessing will be bestowed upon all married couples at the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass on Saturday, February 8th.

Our parish has been asked to participate in a Rosary Rally on Saturday, February 22nd to commemorate the feast day of Saints Francesco and Jacinta, the children seers at Fatima. The intention is for the conversion of sinners and for our country. The outdoor demonstration will begin at 12 Noon in front of the church at the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the event of extreme cold or snow the prayers will be said in the church. Bundle up and join us for this public prayer service.

Our annual Rockaway March for Life will take place on Saturday, January 18th. We will gather in the church for the 8 o’clock morning Mass followed by refreshments and a brief program in Hayes Hall. The march will then begin around Park Lake with the praying of the Holy Rosary for the intention of the promotion and protection of human life from conception to natural death. Each year our march grows in number and especially among our young people and families. Please join us for this local demonstration of Catholics witnessing to the sacredness of human life!

Come to our Open House on Sunday January 26th, from 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM! Divine Mercy Academy in Rockaway is a Catholic elementary school offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade faith-based education. We offer full-day Kindergarten; full & half day Pre-K; before-care & after-care; STEM-based education; School Counselor; foreign language; music & art programs; extracurricular activities; and are AdvancED accredited. Our mission is to provide an academically excellent Catholic education, and to instill within our students the virtues of mercy and compassion, forming them as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Registration for the 2020-2021 school year begins during Catholic Schools Week, January 26th-February 1st.

Super Bowl 54 will take place on Sunday, February 2nd. This day will serve as the time when we will take a collection to benefit the INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY OF MORRIS COUNTY. Did you know that approximately 42,000 households in Morris County struggle to feed their families on a regular basis? Our donation on Super Bowl Sunday will support the efforts of the Interfaith Food Pantry. Why not make a donation representing some percentage of the food you will purchase for your Super Bowl party to help feed those in need? God bless you!!