Blessing of the Christmas Tree and Nativity

Advent Wreath Prayers

Blessing the Advent Wreath with Children

Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen.

Week 1, Hope

Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.

Week 2, Peace

Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen.

Week 3, Joy

Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

Week 4, Love

Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.

Source: Dynamic Catholic

We Wish You A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving

A Prayer of Thanks for Blessings Past and Present

Lord God, we gather around this table to humbly thank You for all that You have given us this past year – not just what is on this table, but who is sitting around this table. Thank you for life and laughter, for health and happiness, for relationships and memories. Thank you, too, for the lessons learned and the tears we’ve cried because of Your ability to grow us through them. Thank You for Your comfort and Your presence, in light of good days and bad. Thank You for what we have now, for what we had yesterday, and for what You will continue to give tomorrow. Let us never take that for granted, but to always be grateful for every good and perfect gift that comes from You. May we have hearts full of thanksgiving not only today but every day of our lives. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Amen. 

- Cindy McMenamin

St. Mary’s Religious Education

Family Gathering

Sunday, November 10th

Join us for a

Box of Joy Packing Party

in Monsignor Walsh Hall after the

10:30AM Mass

Families will fill individual boxes with items generously donated by our parishioners. The boxes will be shipped to children in Catholic Missionaries in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala & Nicaragua and very well may be the only Christmas gifts they receive.  

Breakfast Will Be Served

Please Help to Fill a Box of Joy

Help us brighten the lives of poor children who have never experienced the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.

On November 10th, at our Family Gathering, our Religious Education Families will hold a “Packing Party” to produce what is called a “Box of Joy”.  (Yes, this is early but the boxes need to be shipped out mid November) These shoebox size boxes will be filled with small gifts to be sent to Catholic missionaries in Haiti, Guatemala, Nicarágua and the Dominican Republic as Christmas gifts for the children.

Over the coming weeks we ask that you select an item or items from the list below and deposit in the bin in the back of the church by Sunday, November 3rd.  Items may also be brought to the Parish Center Office during office hours.  We certainly would welcome your organization joining forces with us to help fill these boxes to the max!  Questions?  Call Diane at 973 235-1100.

Suggested Items List

TOYS

Handheld Toys                                                                    

Small plush animals

Small balls (tennis, etc.)

Ball (deflated) with pump

Cars / Trucks 

Doll

Mini puzzle

Finger puppets

Silly Putty

Bean bag / Hacky sack

Unopened fast food toys

Binoculars

Legos

Harmonica, kazoo or other small instrument

Jump rope

Paddleball

Yo-yo, Slinky

Mini board games, Balloons

Craft kit (beads, elastic, etc.) Pom-poms

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Pencils, colored pencils, solar calculator, sharpener

Small board books, erasers

Pencil case, crayons, pens, markers, ruler Glue stick (no liquid) safety scissors, coloring books, notepads

Stickers

Self-inking stamp

Flash cards

HARD CANDY & GUM

Please seal in a Ziploc-Style bag (No chocolates)

APPAREL

Socks

Shorts, Underwear, T-shirts

Flip flops, bandanas, hats shoelaces, plastic poncho

HYGIENE / HOME

Comb / Brush

Forks & Spoons

Cup / Bottle with lid

Bar Soap

Toothpaste (in the box) Toothbrush and floss bandages

Hand wipes (no gels) Tissues

Lip balm

Manicure kit

Nail clippers / Emery board

ACCESSORIES

Watch

Purse or wallet, sunglasses, necklace

Hair ribbons

Hair / Head bands, barrettes, bracelets

Earrings

Scarf

USEFUL ITEMS

Sewing kit

Utensils

Compass

LED keychain

Duct tape

No-battery flashlight

Drawstring bag

No Classes This Sunday - October 13

St. Mary’s Faith Formation Program

Family Gathering

Sunday, November 10th

Join us for a

Box of Joy Packing Party

in Monsignor Walsh Hall after the

10:30AM Mass

Families will fill individual boxes with items generously donated by our parishioners

The boxes will be shipped to children in Catholic Missionaries in the

 Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala & Nicaragua

and very well may be the only Christmas gifts they receive

Breakfast Will Be Served