The parish office is closed on Monday, October 13 for Columbus Day.

     Try and place yourself into this week’s Gospel. You are walking along with Jesus, your Teacher, when suddenly a gang of lepers rush into the street before you. They are calling for Jesus to heal them.  Yes, they stood at a distance, but still, THEY NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE!

     They are unclean; they must live outside the town and village. They must always announce themselves so that you – and Jesus, too – can stay away from them. You surely don’t want to catch their disease. Jesus, seemingly unconcerned, simply calls across to them to go and show themselves to the priest. They leave, and you walk on with Jesus.

     Boy, that was close! A few steps closer, and you would have had to decide, do I stay with Jesus, or do I run away, as fast as I can.

     But why would he send them to the priests? You know the law; they must present themselves to the priests when they are cured. Are they? Did Jesus just cure them, without any effort, or ritual, or sacred words?

     Wait! One of them is coming back and running right up to Jesus … right beside you. He falls at Jesus’ feet, praising Him, thanking Him … thanking God. He still wears his rags, but his skin is as clear as a newborn babe. And you wonder: is it safe? Am I safe?

     Imagine this story again, only imagine you are one of the lepers.  On the way to the priests, you look down at your hands, your arms, your legs, your feet … your sores are gone! What do you do now?

     Do you go to the priests to get your life back?

     Do you forget about the priests, and simply run for joy back to your family? Will they welcome you?

     Or, do you run to Jesus, tears of joy overflowing, and bow at his feet?

    Which leper are you? Is it better to be a leper who received a miracle, or to be a friend of Jesus realizing what happened? Or were you simply a watcher, on the street at the wrong time… or was it the best time to be there?

   What are you afraid of today? What brokenness of society do you fear?  Are you watching that brokenness and feeling helpless, or do you try and do something about it even if it puts you at risk?

    No matter which character you choose, don’t be a leper who simply runs away.  Bring your fears and despair to Jesus; bring our brokenness to Him, the Gentle Healer. There, beside Jesus, you remain safer than you could be anywhere else.

- Father Jim

Hospice Care Information

Faith at Home

These links provides you with the latest one-page resource for families, Faith At Home; it connects to the theme of the upcoming Sunday Liturgy. This resource is updated each week and can be found on the diocesan webpage at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home and en Español at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/fe-en-casa. 

May God continue to bless us and keep us close to Him.

Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help local families in need.   Those needing help should call the SVDP helpline at 856-291-7313.  Click this link to visit the SVdP website: www.SVDPmoorestown.org

Local food pantries include:

                  St. Matthew's Church, 318 Chester Ave.

                  First Baptist Church, 19 West Main St., Moorestown

                  Bethel AME, 512 N. Church St., Moorestown

Prince of Peace 61 E Rte 70, Marlton, NJ 08053

SVDP also has Thinking of You cards available. A gift can be given to the poor in the name of someone special at your

request.  You will be remembered in the prayers and works of the Moorestown Vincentians.  We are so very grateful for your

generous ongoing donations.

Our Promise to Protect

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.  The Diocese has in place a Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, who is available to obtain support for your needs and help you make a formal complaint of abuse.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Abuse Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via email at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese encourages anyone with an allegation to also report that abuse to their local law enforcement agency.  The Diocese reports all allegations received to the appropriate county prosecutor’s office.

ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS

please click on the corresponding hyperlinks below