The teachings of Jesus were hard for many to accept. His commandment to love your enemies, or to take up your cross and follow Him, to lay down your life for another, and His call to perfection were demanding, to say the least. So as a help for all of us to embrace the challenges of the Gospel, Jesus chose Peter, James and John to receive a small vision of who He truly is. He showed them a glimpse of His greatness and glory. And that image most certainly stayed with them and helped them every time they were tempted to get discouraged or despair over the holy demands our Lord placed upon them. My transfigured Lord, You are truly glorious in a way that is beyond my comprehension. Your glory and splendor are beyond what my imagination can ever comprehend. Help me to always keep the eyes of my heart upon You and to allow the image of Your Transfiguration to strengthen me when I’m tempted to despair. I love You, my Lord, and place all my hope in You. Lenten Reflection: “Jesus, I trust in You.”

Join us Tuesday, February 27th at 7 pm in the OLM Chapel. All are welcome to attend and hear personal thoughts from a fellow parishioner on the upcoming Gospel reading. You can participate by listening and reflecting in silence or sharing your thoughts aloud. Our reflection will be shared by Dick Williams. For information contact Annmarie Scorzo at 973-714-9908.

Please be aware that Fr. Steve will NEVER reach out to anyone via email, text or phone calls asking for your help or a favor.  If he does need to speak with you he will call and arrange a face to face meeting to discuss the appropriate matter.

OLM is proud to present a detailed exhibit regarding the historic Shroud of Turin - the actual burial shroud used to wrap the body of Jesus after His crucifixion, prior to His Resurrection. Fr. Steve has been gifted this museum quality exhibition which we are proudly displaying in the Narthex of our church. The exhibit includes over 40 storyboards each of which explains various aspects of the history of the Shroud and three life-size photographs of the actual Shroud along with three separate 3-D images of the Shroud. The exhibit is currently on display in the Narthex at OLM and can be viewed on a self-guided basis before and after Masses (please join us in the body of the church for each Mass). You can view a video "documentary" on the Exhibit hosted by Fr. Steve at https://www.olmchurch.org/shroud-of-turin-exhibit-at-olm. During Lent, we are hosting small group tours on Wednesday evenings guided by Fr. Steve where he will share his extensive knowledge about the Shroud and answer all your questions. Please call the OLM office at 973-838-6838 to reserve your slot. Please click here to view a video overview of the exhibit at OLM

Please join us in a Rosary for Life on Wednesday, February 21st in the Chapel immediately following the 8:15 am Mass.

Remember that the 4th weekend of the month is 4 Get Me Not Sunday. Please take a reusable bag from the table in the chapel or the vestibule of the church, fill it with groceries and return it to the vestibule of the church. Thank you so much for your continued generosity to those in need.

Monday evenings during Lent Our Lady of the Magnificat CHAPEL 7:00-8:30 pm

Ash Wednesday is February 14th, the first day of Lent. This is a time of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Masses and Ash Service WILL ALL BE IN THE CHURCH; 7am, 8:15am, 4:30pm (ashes only) and 7:00pm.

During these six weeks of Lent we are encouraged to pray that the Spirit of God will touch our lives and make them holy. That is, more aware of God’s inspiration.

We are reducing the weekly Mass streaming to the 5pm and 11am Masses. If you cannot view the Mass live, you will still be able to view the recording by clicking on the streaming link on the website then selecting “previous broadcasts” and choosing the Mass by date and time. Thank you.

HAVE FUN & HELP OTHERS …JOIN THE LADIES GUILD! We are a group founded on the pillars of faith, charity and friendship. All women of the parish are welcome. Check future bulletins for the next meeting and upcoming projects.

This year Ash Wednesday is February 14th. This is the first day of Lent. When we receive ashes, it symbolizes repentance and reminds us of our own mortality. Lent is a season of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Masses and Ash Service WILL ALL BE IN THE CHURCH; 7am, 8:15am, 4:30pm (ashes only) and 7:00pm.

WITH THE CATHOLIC GUY, BRUCE DOWNES Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Be inspired. Be refreshed. Be renewed! For 40 days, you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent. For more information go to BruceDownes.org.

Join us for a fun and festive evening on Saturday, March 16th at 7 pm in the OLM Auditorium. Enjoy live music by “Backtracks” along with Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner, Chicken Francaise dinner, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert. $55. per person. For more info or tickets call Bob Barone 973-838-8865.

Looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity for you, a friend, or family member? Consider volunteering with the VNA, by Grocery Shopping for the Homebound. The House Calls for Groceries program provides assistance to homebound residents in Morris County. Volunteers are asked to shop about once a week, based upon client needs. Questions? Call Rachel Enderle at 973-451-4128 or email renderle@vnannj.org

We are incredibly thankful to an anonymous parishioner who made up the shortfall in this year’s collection and helped us to meet our budget! God provides when you least expect it! To all who made Christmas donations this year - you are in my prayers! Fr. Steve

FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION – February 2, 2024 8:15am Mass will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament ending with Benediction at 5pm. FIRST SATURDAY ROSARY – February 3, 2024 8:15am Mass will be followed by praying the rosary as Our Lady requested for the conversion of Russia.

FIRST EVER MARRIAGE CONFERENCE with Keynote Speakers Damon and Melanie Owens We all start our marriage journey with such hope, joy, friendship, and confidence in our future life together. But the every day weight of life can bring doubt, fear, frustration, and loneliness. You can restore your wedding-day joy, and as we are discovering, grow it into something even greater than you can imagine. Let us enrich, strengthen, and encourage each other, learning together how to live Joyfully Ever After! Join us February 10th from 10am-3:30pm. This retreat-like day will not only be a renewal for your marriage but also a beautiful day of prayer, reflection, and communion with other couples, with a beautiful catered lunch for the couples as well. Space is limited, to register visit insidethewalls.org/marriage-conference.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week is the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year it runs from Sunday January 28th through February 3rd. Through many events held this week, our Catholic Schools focus on the value of what a Catholic education provides to our children and its contributions to our church, our communities and our nation. Visit your local Catholic School webpage for more information and for upcoming Open House dates and times.

Handmade prayer shawls are available to anyone in need of comfort during an illness or difficult time. To request a prayer shawl, contact Julie at jlpuccia@optonline.net.