STATEMENT FROM CARDINAL JOSEPH W. TOBIN, C.SS.R., REGARDING RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS

STATEMENT FROM CARDINAL JOSEPH W. TOBIN, C.SS.R., REGARDING RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS

May 25, 2022

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., has issued the following statement in response to the recent mass shootings: The disciples of Jesus that form the Archdiocese of Newark join our hearts and prayers for the anguished families of Uvalde, Buffalo and many other communities across this country, including Newark, the city in which I live and love. The slaughter of children and teachers yesterday in Texas, and the surge of violence in communities nationwide, cannot be easily explained but must not be dismissed as a perverse “new normal.”

Cynically short-sighted solutions that facilely propose turning schools, grocery stores and shopping malls into armed camps must be rejected. This nation cannot flourish by permitting the unregulated sale of weapons designed to kill. There is no convincing argument to justify the sale or possession of automatic rifles, oversize magazines, folding stocks, and other weapons that are used in an ever-growing number of massacres.

New laws alone will not change hearts. We need civil conversations around all the forms of violence that are tolerated, even celebrated in our culture. The role of social media, especially its indiscriminate use by young people, needs to be questioned. We adults must examine how our speech and slogans and our resignation and apathy contribute to violent death and the disintegration of our communities.

There is much to do, but for now, let us recognize our connection with the grieving families and plead with God to heal their broken hearts.

NJ Bishops' statement on Governor Muphy's proposal that NJ health insurers provide coverage for abortion services

NJ BISHOPS' STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR MURPHY’S PROPOSAL THAT NJ HEALTH INSURERS PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ABORTION SERVICES

May 12, 2022

The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey join to express our disappointment and outrage over Governor Murphy’s announcement regarding proposed legislation to expand access to abortion in New Jersey, an act that by its very nature terminates human life. If enacted, this legislation would mandate health insurance coverage for abortions, codify regulations that permit non-physicians to perform abortions; and create a public fund that dedicates taxpayer money to pay for abortions.

A Letter of Thanks from Ukraine

A LETTER OF THANKS FROM UKRAINE

May 11, 2022

Here is a beautiful letter of thanks from Rev. Ruslan Romanyuk. The pastor from St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church. In response to our recent collection of food and medical supplies for the people of Ukraine. IHM Parish reached out through prayer and service. Extending our Catholic faith with blessings beyond our community to help those in need. We are grateful for all of the generous contributions made during this crisis. From the words of Rev. Ruslan, “May God reward you and yours with the promised hundredfold.”

Chrism Mass

CHRISM MASS

April 11, 2022
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the Archbishop of Newark, will be joined by his auxiliary bishops and dozens of priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Newark on Monday April 11th to celebrate the Chrism Mass, the second observance of Holy Week.

This year, Fr. Mike has been invited to concelebrate this special Mass in honor of his 25th anniversary of becoming a priest. Congratulations Fr. Mike!

Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

March 27, 2022

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has asked the global church to join him on March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, in making an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in response to the violence, destruction and death that this war has caused. Our parish community will gather tomorrow March 25th at 12 noon to pray together the Act of Consecration followed by the Stations of the Cross. I invite you to join us and the universal church who will be making this Act throughout the day. Our communal gathering will be live streamed from our Facebook page as well. If you are unable to join us at noon you can also do this on your own using the below text, which will also be posted on our website. Let us continue to pray and act for peace in Ukraine, Russia and throughout the world. - Fr. Mike

IHM Food Pantry in Scotch Plains Struggles to Keep up with Growing Need

March 4, 2022: IHM Food Pantry in Scotch Plains Struggles to Keep up with Growing Need

"We have seen massive generosity, and we should be well stocked, but Wednesday was our biggest day yet in terms of guests. There was an endless stream of cars," said Geraldine Keough of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) food pantry on Martine Ave. in Scotch Plains. "We're at a critical low, and our volunteers have been scrambling to keep up with the volume." Click the image to read the full article on Tap Into.

Updated COVID Directives

February 16, 2022

STILL IN EFFECT: Masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated persons. If not fully vaccinated, persons are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidance and wear a face mask in public settings. People will no longer be required to socially distance indoors or outdoors, although unvaccinated persons should continue to maintain a safe distance from others. These directives apply to Masses and activities in Church. Archdiocesan protocols for Religious Education and Basketball programs remain in effect.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS: All ministries may return to full service – altar servers, lectors, ushers, greeters and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Ministers of Holy Communion must still sanitize their hands and wear a mask when distributing Communion.

COMMUNION: While Communion on the tongue is now permitted, for the safety of the priests, ministers and other communicants, we encourage continued reception of communion in the hand. At this time, Communion from the cup should not be distributed to the assembly.

SANITIZING: The cleaning and sanitizing of churches and common spaces should be done regularly. It is not required after every liturgy.

PARISH MEETINGS: Parish meetings in person may resume. Those vaccinated are not required to wear masks for indoor meetings nor are they required to maintain social distancing. The same recommendations for Mass apply to those not vaccinated.

IHM 2021 Year In Review

IHM 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

February 14, 2022

Click the image above to download the IHM 2021 Year in Review. A collection of highlights from around our community throughout 2021, and some hopes moving forward. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share. May God continue to bless the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish this year and many years beyond.

Peace Fr. Mike

Girls Scouts visit IHM Food Pantry

February 5, 2022: Girls Scouts visit IHM Food Pantry

Big thanks to our local Girl Scout Troop for visiting the IHM Food Pantry to lend a helping hand! They brought a huge donation of food to share with our families in need. The girls also learned about organizing and sorting different varieties of food and preparing packages for our guests on Wednesdays. We had a lot of fun and learned a bunch of handy new skills. Thank you to the Daisies, the parents and volunteers for making this Food Pantry trip really special!

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