With his announcement of a Year of Saint Joseph, Pope Francis has invited us to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius IX's proclamation of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Catholic Church. He offers us this year, in our parishes, our Diocese of Paterson and the Universal Church, to draw closer to the one who loved Jesus "with a father's heart."    

Dear Parish Family,

As we journey through the year 2021, there's not anyone among us who can be sure of what the future holds. Yet, for us who have put our full trust and hope in God, either way, we come out on the winning side because we know and understand that God has great things planned for those who love Him and serve Him. 

We have been living for 10 months now with a pandemic. We have seen much violence in our nation. The horrific riot at the temple of our Democracy, the U.S. Capital has caused us to say “what's next?” Fear, anxiety, anger are what we feel, I know I do! Yet folks, in all that we may be feeling these beginning days of 2021, I invite you to join me in trying, as difficult as it may be a times, not to live with fear, anxiety or anger but to focus on the ways of God.

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6, verses 33-34 Jesus taught: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.  Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  

When Jesus taught these words, it wasn't for people who were living in the “lap of luxury.”  These words were for people who were under the oppression of the Roman rule.  They were often quite concerned about their safety and provision for their families. Yet, Jesus reminded them to put Him first, and He would take care of them.

I believe that our all-loving God has great things for us and our loved ones, our nation, state, our county, world and church in 2021! So, in all that we may be feeling during these challenging days, I believe it is vital that we look forward in faith, not in fear, anxiety or anger.  God knows the plan and He knows how to lead us in the days ahead! So I encourage us all to listen for His “still, small voice” as we navigate through the days ahead, for His plans for us are good!

As our country begins a new leadership in government this week,  let us pray for our new President and Vice-President and for all our governmental leaders, that our God will protect them and guide them as they lead  us, the citizens of United States of America into the future.

On a parish level, all is going well. Our virtual Religious Education and Confirmation Programs have been successful with very few glitches. In person attendance at our Liturgies on the weekends fluctuates each week with an average attendance of between 25- 30 worshippers, with very few times of turning folks away, thank God.  A good number are still viewing our weekend Liturgy on our parish website thanks to our videographer Amie Baker. I look forward to the day when we can all gather again safely in our sacred space to celebrate the Eucharist and get back to having our regular Rosary Society, Parish Advisory Board and Finance Council meetings.

Connie, more that I, has been keeping things on board in the Office. I just do what I am told - LOL! Thanks also to Leigh Gordon and Loraine Horlacher who faithfully clean our church weekly.  Thanks to the members of our parish family who have been so generous with your weekly contributions either by placing them in the basket at the Entrance of the Church or through online giving. Contributions also fluctuate each week, which I understand based on your means, but your continued support and generosity are most appreciated.

As always, I remind you to continue to follow the important CDC guidelines when it comes to slowing down the spread of COVID-19. Let us pray for each other, for all affected by the virus, for those who lost their lives, for their famililes, our church, country, state and world.  FYI: I have signed up to receieve the vaccine and I encouge all of you to do so as well.  Here is the link: hhpts://covidvaccine.nj.gov  To quote our Holy Father Pope Francis about getting the vaccine he said: " I believe that ethically everyone shoyuld get the vaccine.  It is an ethical option, becasue you gamble with your health, your life, but also you gamble with the lives of others."

Stay Well. Stay Safe.  See the good in everyday!
In His Love,
Father John

 

We are a Roman Catholic Community of believers in Jesus Christ, in the Diocese of Paterson, New Jersey, under the leadership of our Bishop, the Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney, D.D.

We are located in the lovely small community of Ogdensburg, New Jersey nestled between Sparta and Franklin in bucolic Sussex County, New Jersey. If you are planning on moving into the Ogdensburg area, I invite you to consider Saint Thomas of Aquin as your parish home.

It is my hope that the information you will gather from these pages will enable you to know better who we are as a Parish Community and how we work to proclaim the message of the Lord Jesus in our midst.

Whether you are a member of our community, someone new to our community, or someone just surfing the net, you are welcome to come and join us as a loving family who gathers to give thanks and praise to our all-loving God who directs and guides our days.

I invite you to look through the pages of our website and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us via e-mail at stthomasofaquin@embarqmail.com or by visiting us at our Parish Office on Monday, Wednesday or Friday between the hours of  8:30 AM and 4:00 PM and it will be our pleasure to assist you.

In His Love,
Reverend John P. Pilipie
Pastor