St. Margaret of Cortona Parish
Serving the Catholic Communities of Little Ferry and Moonachie
in Ministry, Education and Service Since August 24, 1912
31 Chamberlain Ave Little Ferry, NJ 07643
Phone: (201) 641-2988 Fax: (201) 641-0664
Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord January 9
Welcome to the Parish Family of St. Margaret of Cortona
in Little Ferry
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NJ Bishops' Statement on the Passage of the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into Law
The Catholic Bishops of New Jersey join to express our profound disappointment and deep concern about the passage of S49/A6260 - - the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, which codifies into state law an individual’s right to an abortion, including late-term abortions. This law departs from the fundamental Catholic teaching that all life is sacred from conception to natural death. Even more distressing is that the legal and ethical calculus that underlies this new legislation absolutely and forthrightly extinguishes the human and moral identity of the unborn child. Perhaps the legislators who rushed through this Act in the waning moments of their terms did not want citizens to understand fully its inhuman and lethal consequences.
We have failed as a society when a response to any pregnancy is fear rather than joy. Sadly, too often this fear is born out of the mother’s uncertainty she will not be able to provide for herself and her child the resources necessary to live a flourishing life. We must do better. Therefore, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to actively participate in breaking down the economic,employment, social, racial, and emotional barriers that lead mothers into thinking that abortion is a better option than life.
For our part, the Catholic Church is committed to broadening and increasing awareness about the abundant resources and programs we offer that include life-affirming health and prenatal care, emotional support, assistance in bearing and raising her child, and basic needs such as housing, food, and clothing to pregnant mothers seeking or considering alternatives to abortion.
Please click here to visit the full statement
Grow + Go Bulletin
We subscribed to a weekly Grow+Go bulletin designed to help parishioners understand what it means to be evangelizing disciples of Christ. Using the Sunday Scriptures as the basis for reflection, the bulletin offers insight into how parishioners can more fully GROW as disciples and then GO evangelize, fulfilling Christ's Great Commission to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
This will be regularly updated so check back for new content! Click here for the latest bulletin
Thursdays from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
All are welcome!
Call Eileen at 201-843-1097 or see her after mass.
Religious Education 2021-2022 Schedules
Home Study (10:45 to 11:55 ):
Home study is mandatory for all those in Grade 2 in preparation for First Communion and First Penance. Home Study meets once a month on Sunday on the dates listed below.
Grade 2: December 5, January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1
Grades 3,4 & 5: , December 12, January 16, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8
Parents accompany their children each session. Parents will be grouped together for the Catechesis for parents; children will be in class with other children. Following class, parents and children will go to the noon Mass.
In Person Classes (for those who chose traditional):
All sessions will be held at the Parish Center
Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 Tuesday afternoons ( 3:30 - 4:30 PM )
January 4, 11, 25 / February 1,8, 15 / March 1, 8, 15, 22 / April 5, 12, 26 / May 3, 10, 17
Grades 7 & 8 Tuesday evenings ( 6:30 - 8:00 PM)
January 4, 11, 25 / February 1,8, 15 / March 1, 8, 15, 22 / April 5, 12, 26 / May 3, 10, 17
Lent begins March 2, Palm Sunday is on April 10 and Easter Sunday is April 17
Statement from the Archdiocese of Newark May 25, 2021
Updated Directives During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Given the reinstatement by Cardinal Tobin and the Bishops of NJ of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass effective June 5/6, (To read the official statement, please visit: https://www.rcan.org/) and the lessening of restrictions from the state, the following is provided as an immediate update to the May 4 directives.
Effective May 28, 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. Masks are still required on public transit and in health care settings, prisons, child-care facilities and schools, among other places. People will no longer be required to socially distance indoors or outdoors, (May 28), although unvaccinated persons should continue to maintain a safe distance from others.
Effective June 4, all indoor gathering limits will be removed. Although these directives represent a reduction of pandemic restrictions, the local pastors/administrators/chaplains can impose stricter regulations as needed. These may include wearing masks, social distancing, and signing in for Mass or activities.
Please click here to view the complete directives in pdf form
At St. Margaret’s, we are following the directives mentioned in the document with some updates:
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Livestreaming Mass - we will continue to place the Saturday evening mass on our website but it will not be every weekend as has been the case.
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Opening Rites - we will continue to begin Mass without a procession. The Easter season is over so the need for the sprinkling rite is not needed. As you know, we now have touch-less holy water fonts.
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Preparation of the Gifts - we will continue using the baskets at rear of the church and while we will continue to have the bread and wine in the sacristy, if anyone wants to bring these gifts up in the offertory procession, please notify the ushers or the priest.
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Music - we are attempting to bring back the choir and have them sing bringing back the choir before the usual summer break.
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Hymnals & Bulletins - we have ordered the hymnals & missalettes. They should be here for our use mid-June.
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Confessionals - we will resume the use of our reconciliation rooms. However, any penitent can request to celebrate the sacrament in the body of the church.
The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children
2021-2022 Tuition Assistance Application NOW OPEN
The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children is trying to assist families who would like to send their children to one of the Catholic schools in our parishes. Our tuition assistance application is now open for new and re-applying families.
Click here to go to our website and donate now!
Thank you for your assistance!
Jasmin Roman
Director of Scholarship Programs
Donate to St. Margaret's
Here are some ways that you can help our Parish during these trying times:
GoFundMe - Click here to go the GofundMe website
ParishSoft - Click here to go to the giving site.
You can also give via text to (201) 689-5641, just enter the amount you want to donate in the message. You will need to create an account if you haven't done so yet. Click here if you need help creating an account.
Amazon Smile - you can also donate to St. Margaret’s whenever you make a purchase.
1. Go to https://smile.amazon.com, it uses the same account that you have on Amazon.com.
2. Go to Your Account and under Account settings select St. Margaret of Cortona Church as your preferred charity and you’re all set.
3. Every time you make a purchase the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of the eligible item to St. Margaret’s. Just make sure to make all your future purchases on Amazon Smile so that donations are made
SCHEDULES
Regular Masses
Sunday:
8:00AM, 10:00AM, 12:00PM
Weekdays:
Monday through Friday:
12:05 PM
First Saturday Mass
12:05 PM in the Church
Holy Days
(Except Christmas and Easter): 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 7:00 PM
Mass followed by Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Benediction every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm
Confessions
Saturdays 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Experience God’s Mercy. Celebrate the Grace-Filled Sacrament of Reconciliation
Contact Us
Parish Center (Monday through Thursday 10 am till 4pm. Closed on Fridays)
Tel: 201-641-2988
Fax: 201-641-0664
Rectory (By appointment only):
201-641-2988
Religious Education (Sunday to Thursday):
201-641-3937
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention
For January 2022
For true human fraternity
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family
New in the Area?
If you are new in the area, why not join our ever-growing Parish family. Stop by the Parish Center any weekday and register. Click on this link to download the form or call us at 201-641-2988
POSTER BOARD
The feast of the Holy Name originated in the 1500s and was formerly celebrated on the second Sunday of Epiphany. It was removed from the calendar in 1969, "since the imposition of the name of Jesus is already commemorated in the office of the Octave of Christmas." (motu propri: Mysterii Paschalis,1969). It was restored in 2002 as an optional memorial on the first free day after January 1st. Because of the feasts in January which pertain to Christ's infancy and childhood, January has also become a month dedicated to the Holy Childhood of Jesus.
THE MEANING OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS
The name Jesus comes from the Greek Iesous which was derived from the Aramaic, Yeshu. It means "Yaweh is salvation." The name was not unique, even in biblical times, and today it is common in Arabic-speaking East and in Spanish-speaking countries. From apostolic times the name has been treated with the greatest respect, as honor is due the name which represents Our Lord, himself. The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer. Our Lord Himself solemnly promises that whatever we ask the Father in His Name we shall receive. God never fails to keep His word
When, therefore, we say, "Jesus," let us ask God for all we need with absolute confidence of being heard. For this reason, the Church ends her prayer with the words, "through Jesus Christ, our Lord" which gives the prayer a new and Divine efficacy.
But the Holy Name is something still greater. Each time we say, "Jesus," we give God infinite joy and glory, for we offer Him all the infinite merits of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. St. Paul tells us that Jesus merited the Name by His Passion and Death.
• Each time we say "Jesus," let us clearly wish to offer God all the Masses being said all over the world for all our intentions. We thus share in these thousands of Masses.
• Each time we say "Jesus," we gain indulgences for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, thus relieving and liberating very many of these holy souls from their awful pains. Thus they may be our best friends and pray for us-----they cannot pray for themselves, however.
• Each time we say "Jesus," it is an act of perfect love, for we offer to God the infinite love of Jesus.
• The Holy Name of Jesus saves us from innumerable evils and delivers us especially from the power of the devil, who is constantly seeking to do us harm.
• The Holy Name of Jesus gradually fills our souls with a peace and joy we never had before.
• The Holy Name of Jesus gives us strength that our sufferings become light and easy to bear.
FEAST OF THE HOLY NAME
This feast is celebrated on the second Sunday after Epiphany. It is the central feast of all the mysteries of Christ the Redeemer; it unites all the other feasts of the Lord, as a burning glass focuses the rays of the sun in one point, to show what Jesus is to us, what He has done, is doing, and will do for mankind.
It originated towards the end of the fifteenth century, and was instituted by the private authority of some bishops in Germany, Scotland, England, Spain, and Belgium. The Office and the Mass composed by Bernardine dei Busti (AD. 1500) were approved by Sixtus IV . The feast was officially granted to the Franciscans on the 25th of February, 1530, and spread over a great part of the Church. The Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians kept it on the 14th of January; the Dominicans on the 15th of January. At Salisbury, York, and Durham in England, and at Aberdeen in Scotland it was celebrated on the 7th of August., at Liege on the 31st of January, at Compostela and Cambrai on the 8th January. The Carthusians obtained it for the second Sunday after Epiphany about 1643; for that Sunday it was also extended to Spain, and later on the 20th of December, 1721, to the Universal Church. The Office used at present is nearly identical with the Office of Bernardine dei Busti.
The hymns "Jesu dulcis memoria," "Jesu Rex admirabilis," "Jesu decus angelicum," usually ascribed to St. Bernard, are fragments of a very extensive "jubilus" or "cursus de aeterna sapientia" of some unknown author in the thirteenth century. For the beautiful sequence "Dulcis Jesus Nazarenus" [Morel, "Hymnen des Mittelalters," 67] of Bernardine dei Busti the Franciscans substituted a prose sequence of modern origin: "Lauda Sion Salvatoris;" they still celebrate the Feast on 14 January.
Prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus
JESUS, yours is the name above all names;
We offer you our heartfelt praise and gratitude.
Deepen in us an abiding reverence
For your Holy Name.
Jesus, Saviour, heal the wounds within
That our sin and fear have inflicted.
Set us free from all that hinders us from
Rejoicing in your boundless love
And sharing your goodness with others.
Jesus, Friend, draw us ever closer to you.
We entrust all we carry in our hearts
To your abundant mercy.
Jesus, Lord, pour out
The Holy Spirit upon your people
That our lives may overflow with your grace,
Our days be filled with your love,
And all our actions shine with your light.
Amen
Who are the Fourteen Holy Helpers?
These heavenly companions have been helping mankind since the Middle Ages.
The Fourteen Holy Helpers are fourteen saints that are collectively invoked against various ailments and dangers.
Devotion to the Fourteen Holy Helpers began in 14th-century Germany, which was suffering under bubonic plague. Called the “Nothelfer”—“Helpers in Need” —in German, devotion to them eventually spread to other countries. Their feast is kept in some places on August 8th.
These saints are mostly drawn from the ranks of the early Church martyrs. Each one is invoked against a particular affliction, oen related to the means of their martyrdom.
A depiction of the 14 Holy
Helpers with Sts. Peter and Paul
These saints are mostly drawn from the ranks of the early Church martyrs. Each one is invoked against a particular affliction, often related to the means of their martyrdom.
Here they are:
1. St. Acatius – 4th c. Greek captain in the Roman army. Some say he was crowned with thorns. Eventually beheaded. Invoked against headaches.
2. St. Barbara – 3rd c. Virgin-martyr killed by her own father. Lightning struck him as punishment. Invoked against lightning and fire.
3. St. Blaise – 4th c. Armenian martyr-bishop. Cured a child choking on a fishbone. Invoked against throat ailments.
4. St. Catherine of Alexandria – 4th c. Egyptian virgin-martyr famous for her learning. Invoked by lawyers and against diseases of the tongue.
5. St. Christopher – “Christ-bearer.” 3rd c. Martyr who carried the Christ Child across a stream. Invoked against travel dangers and sudden death.
6. St. Cyriacus – 4th c. Roman deacon-martyr. Cured Diocletian’s daughter, possibly of blindness. Invoked against eye diseases.
7. St. Denis – 3rd c. Missionary to France. Bishop of Paris. Martyred by beheading. According to legend, at his martyrdom he picked up his head and walked; hence he is oen pictured with his head in his hands. Invoked against demonic attacks and headaches.
8. St. Erasmus (Elmo) – 4th c. Italian martyr-bishop. Tortured by having his intestines pulled out. Namesake of “St. Elmo’s Fire,” electric phenomenon that precedes a storm at sea. Invoked against stomach ailments (and a favorite of sailors). 9. St. Eustace – 2nd c. General in Trajan’s army. Saw a stag with a cross between its antlers. Converted with wife and kids. Burned alive in an oven. Invoked against fires.
10. St. George – 4th c. Soldier under Diocletian. Killed a dragon. Saved a princess. Died a martyr. Invoked against skin diseases and palsy.
11. St. Giles – 7th c. Athenian monk. Founded a Benedictine community in France. Told Charles Martel to go to confession. Invoked against crippling diseases.
12. St. Margaret of Antioch – 4th c. Virgin-martyr. Converted by her holy nurse. Shepherdess. Invoked by women in childbirth and against kidney diseases.
13. St. Pantaleon – 4th c. Doctor employed by the emperor. Nailed to a tree then beheaded. Blood, preserved in Ravello, Italy, liquefies every year. Invoked by doctors and midwives, and against lung diseases.
14. St. Vitus – 4th c. Sicilian. Converted by his Christian nurse and her husband. All three martyred together. Invoked against paralysis, nervous diseases, and epilepsy.
One of the most universally beloved of the Fourteen Helpers is, for sure, St. Christopher. Many of us invoke him frequently for safe travels.
