Email & Text Hoax
TEXTING HOAX: Some parishioners have received a text message from phone number 347-769-0614 claiming to be Father Damian and requesting a response. This is NOT Father's number and did not come from him. Do not respond to the message! Fr. Damian would *never* solicit donations or "favors" via a text message.
EMAIL HOAX: A number of parishioners have recently received emails from a fake Gmail account impersonating our parish priests and asking for donations. The scammers use the pastor’s name or some slight variation of it to solicit funds from parishioners in the form of gift cards or cash donations. This is a hoax. Priests do not solicit donations this way.
Our parish firewall was not breached and no part of our network has been hacked or compromised in any way. Automated “bots” “scrape” the email addresses from our parish websites and construct and send fake emails.
If you receive an email that looks suspicious, please delete the message and do not follow instructions on these hoax emails.
From Our Pastor
Dear Parishioners,
For a few months now people have been asking me after mass if it is true that I am going to a new parish? And I’ve told them the truth; it was being discussed, but until I receive a letter assigning me, it isn’t real.
On Monday of Holy Week, Bishop O’Connell did give me a letter assigning me to a new parish, namely, St. Catherine & St. Margaret, Spring Lake, effective July 1, 2019.
And suddenly it’s really real and I have to do something which I find really difficult, say goodbye to you. The problem is I don’t like goodbyes, so forgive me for the brevity of my words.
I would like to sincerely thank all those wonderful men and women who I have ministered with over the last 14 years in this parish, it has been an honor!
A profound thank you to all those souls who have allowed me to be their priest and their pastor, it has been truly humbling.
I will still be here for another two months celebrating the Eucharist and the sacraments with you. On May 19th at the Gathering Sunday after the 10.30am mass, I hope to be able to say thank you in person.
When my transfer was being discussed, I was very concerned about who would replace me. It is like choosing a father for your family! I’m consoled and very pleased to tell you that your new Pastor will be Fr. Chris Picollo, who has a history in Parish, and is well known to many of you.
To be frank, I could not have picked a better man! I hold Fr. Chris in the greatest esteem and affection, and I know he will truly be a wonderful blessing to the parish.
Please pray for me as I begin a new chapter in my ministry. I can promise you that I will pray for you always, and pray that this parish will continue to grow and blossom.
With gratitude,
Fr. Damian McElroy
May the road rise to meet you…
Respect Life Homily
Last weekend, Deacon Tom Kolon shared a wonderful and informative Catholic perspective on Respect Life, encompassing current events and statistics that spanned from end of life through the very beginning in the womb. You can re-watch his homily on the live streaming or may click here for a written copy to share.
Dear Parishioners,
It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Sacred Music Director, Mr. Stephen Lucasi. Steve passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbara, and his entire family.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:45am followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00pm all at Our Lady of Good Counsel. Interment will be private.
For those unable to attend, Steve’s funeral Mass will be live streamed on the parish website at Noon on Saturday, March 16, 2019.
Please find Steve’s full obituary here.
At this time, let us pray for Steve, for his family, and for all who mourn him.
Fr. Damian McElroy
May the choir of angels come to meet you. May they speed you to paradise. May the Lord enfold you in His mercy. May you find eternal life.
New monthly collection - Baby Items Needed
1st Way of Burlington Co. will be collecting a variety of items for those moms that have chosen life for their babies. There will be a play pen set up in the vestibule of the church to collect the donations. This collection will take place on the 4th Sunday of every month - the next collection will be on June 23/24. We especially need Enfamil formula, diapers especially size 5 and 6, wipes, shampoos, and newborn clothing. Thank you for helping those whom have chosen Life!!!
Do you know a Caregiver?
Jesus gave us a new commandment: “love one another as I have loved you..." (Jn 13:34). On the night before the Last Supper Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, a lesson for them and for us in caring for and loving each other. Caregivers put this commandment into action every hour of every day. The demand on the caregiver for loving patience and dedication is extreme. St. Francis de Sales suggests that, "the measure of love is to love without measure. May God continue to bless all caregivers in their daily challenges and strengthen their capacity to care for their loved one – “with love without measure.”
How does the caregiver do all that is necessary and still find time for their personal well being - spiritual, emotional, and physical health?
When requested, a parishioner will visit the caregiver and their loved one, bringing Holy Communion, prayer, and spiritual support, as well as news of parish life, and perhaps a little laughter.
For more information please call Jim Cassidy or Jane McCorkell : 856-235-2374
"Do whatever He tells you" - John 2:5