The Pastor’s Column Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Mercy, I hope this finds you well. This past Sunday, September 10, we had a great Eucharistic celebration for our parish’s 60th Anniversary with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin. Ten priests concelebrated Mass with the Cardinal, namely: Father Antonio Sarento, Father Milwauk “Tomi” Navarossa, Father Jack Cryan, Monsignor Paul Bochicchio, Father Larry Evans, Father Ralph Siendo, Father Gino De La Rama, Father Ricky Manalo, Father David “Dave” Sison, and myself. Deacon Meynardo Espeleta and Deacon Edwin Dava assisted at the liturgy, and Father Joseph Mancini served as the Master of Ceremonies. The church was filled with more than five hundred parishioners and guests. It was a very nice and well-participated liturgy. I was particularly moved because I had the privilege of hearing the voices of all in the congregation as they responded to their parts in the liturgy and sang along with the choir. It was such a beautiful thing to behold. I cannot thank God enough for such a beautiful celebration. After the Mass, we all went downstairs to the Maria Room, our parish hall, to enjoy a light luncheon and fellowship with the Cardinal and some of the priests. Thank you all for participating in the Mass both in person and on livestream. Kudos to the members of the Parish Pastoral Council, ministers of hospitality, decorating committee members, the parishioners who helped to set up and clean up the Maria Room, and all who helped serve food and beverages. You all made Sunday’s event very nice and successful. Thank you also to all our liturgical ministers, including music ministers, and Kuya Guiz and Greg who took care of the livestreaming. Our next event will be the Gala Dinner Dance next Sunday, September 24, from 3 to 7 pm at Hudson House in Jersey City. There are still tickets available for purchase. After that event, we will celebrate the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz on Thursday, September 28. That day there will be refreshments and fellowship in the Maria Room following the 8:30 am Mass. So, mark your calendars and please invite your family and friends to attend. The novena in preparation for the feast begins this Tuesday, September 19. After the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz, we have the parish’s living rosary on Friday, October 6, at 7 pm in the church. Please join us in praying the rosary dedicated to our young people. We know that all things pass away in this world, ourselves included. We need to pass on our religious traditions to our young people and teach them how to live life with God as the center and with Mama Mary as our intercessor in heaven. October is the month dedicated to the Blessed Mother Mary. So, it is just fitting that we honor her every day and give her special homage this month. Our Men’s Breakfast is set for Saturday, October 14, for the gentlemen of our parish. Please spread the word to your neighbors and friends. This will be a good opportunity to reflect with Deacon Michael Giuliano, MD, our speaker, on answering the call of God in all seasons of our lives. That’s the theme for this event. Please don’t miss it. Again, thank you and may we all be blessed by our Almighty God! Love, Father Marty September 17, 2023 Last Chance to Get Your Ticket! 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance Next Sunday, September 24 Come and celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Our Lady of Mercy Church with a Gala Dinner Dance at Hudson House in Jersey City, next Sunday, September 24, from 3pm to 7pm. Gala tickets are $125 per person. Tickets are available at the parish office or by clicking on the ONLINE GIVING link. Flu Shots at OLM, October 8, 2023 Our Lady of Mercy Parish Wellness Ministry is hosting a Flu Shot Clinic on Sunday, October 8, from 9 am to 2 pm in the Maria Room presented by Walgreens. While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to register in advance using the sign-up form available in the back of the church to help us provide an estimate number of vaccines needed. These are on a first-come basis. Those 65+ are recommended for the high-dose flu vaccine so please note if you are over the age of 65. Encourage your friends and family to get their flu shot to protect them during the coming months.