Recently 118 pans of chili were delivered to the Fr. English Food Pantry, and as always they were very grateful. As you have probably heard, a good amount of money from the annual Diocesan Appeal will go towards badly needed renovations at the pantry and they hope to begin work in March. Carlos, who runs the pantry, assured us that they will continue to have freezer space, and he looks forward to our continuing chili donations. Thank you so much for your continued devotion to this ministry. It means so much to so many!

Please join us in a Rosary for Life on Wednesday, January 17th in the Chapel immediately following the 8:15 am Mass.

Holy Spirit School in Pequannock is in need of a 3rd grade teacher. If you or anyone you know might be interested please contact Sr. Marie at 973-835-5680.

Thank you to all the members of the Ladies Guild who crafted hand-made Valentine Cards for the residents of the NJ Firemen's Home in Boonton. The cards will be delivered in time for Valentine's Day.

We are grateful to all who contributed so far this year, but we are significantly lower than last year’s total to date. If you have not sent in your Christmas envelope yet, please do so at your earliest convenience. Thank you. Christmas 2023 $ 71,110 (to date) Christmas budget $100,000 Christmas last year $101,185 Budget Shortfall to date ($28,890)

A huge thank you to those who made a contribution to the Annual Christmas Fund, which was established to help those in need locally. Also, a very special thank you to the fund's founding benefactor. Twenty five parishioners donated over $10,000, including the matching contribution, which enabled us to help 6 families and organizations that were very much in need this year. Our benefactor would also like to thank all those who contributed this year and in prior years to this wonderful effort to help our community. May God bless you for your support!

Fr. Steve and the OLM Parish Community would like to thank Michael Pierce, John & Janine Minardi and the entire concert committee for a wonderful musical production. It was a sell-out and the orchestra, choirs, Michael Cicero, Nicolette Corrado and not to forget Mrs. Claus, put on a heartwarming performance. It brought everyone into the Christmas Season! Thank you!

All are welcome to join the Men’s Bible Study Group that meets every Saturday Morning 7:30-9:00 AM in the Ryan Room. We offer fellowship in the Lord, friendship, coffee and bagels!

My name is Matthew and I was the man who needed an ambulance on Christmas Eve. I was helped by several people at the church and I wanted to thank them and you for the care and compassion shown at a very frightening moment for me and my family. It turns out I was having a stroke that night and their insistence on calling the ambulance was very smart. I am doing well right now and expect to make full recovery. My family appreciates the immediate outpouring of support and the respect of our privacy. Sincerely, Matthew Budesheim

We are thankful to all parishioners who contributed to the Christmas flower fund. The flowers this year were exceptionally beautiful. We would like to especially thank Tom Black, for his tireless watering and care of the flowers throughout the Christmas season. You are greatly appreciated!

As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear; our health, our family and our friends. Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way. Have a Blessed and Healthy New Year filled with new hope and may 2024 be a peaceful and prayerful year. God Bless, Fr. Steve & Staff

FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION – January 5, 2024 8:15am Mass will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament ending with Benediction at 5pm. FIRST SATURDAY ROSARY – January 6, 2024 8:15am Mass will be followed by praying the rosary as Our Lady requested for the conversion of Russia.

On behalf the entire staff, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and blessed New Year. As you celebrate the miracle of this special season, may your heart be filled with love, joy and peace. Yours in Christ, Fr. Steve.

Especially at this time, as we welcome the Christ Child into our hearts, we are thankful for the gift of life. The Paterson diocese will once again participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on this Friday, January 19, 2024.

The OLM Christmas concert committee wants to send our warmest gratitude to all of the parishioners and sponsors who came out to celebrate the Christmas Concert. It was such a wonderful evening that could not have been achieved without our incredible community that never ceases to amaze. May God bless you all and we wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and happiest New Year.

Today, we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath. A special blessing of new parents will be offered. If you are expecting or adopting a child, please come forward for this blessing and presentation of a symbolic pink flower.

Please join us in a Rosary for Life on Wednesday, December 20th in the Chapel immediately following the 8:15 am Mass.

On The fourth Sunday of Advent Dec. 23rd & 24th, Masses will be held on Saturday 5 PM, and Sunday at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 AM. This fulfills your Sunday obligation.

Thank you to all the Knights, led by Ron Scilla, for a magical Santa Breakfast last weekend! Over 400 “nice” folks had a visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus to share their Christmas wishes. A huge thank you to the Claus’s - we know you are busy this time of year and your visit to OLM was truly appreciated! Meeting: Dec. 15 - Informal Social - 6pm @ River of Beer

Thank you to all who donated gift cards for the giving tree. This weekend is the deadline for returning gift cards, so please place your cards in the designated boxes in the church or chapel.