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) 322-0172
Welcome to the Parish Family of
St. Margaret of Cortona
in Little Ferry
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All Soul's Day
Mass of Remembrance
Monday, November 2, 2026 12:00 Noon
Remembering all those who have gone before us
Please submit your All Soul's Day envelope with the name of your loved ones.
Father Kevin's 40th Anniversary Invitation
In gratitude to Almighty God and the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Newark, I would like to invite you, my Faith Community of St. Margaret of Cortona, to join me as I celebrate the 40th Anniversary of my Ordination to the Priesthood on Sunday ~ November 22, 2026 at the 11:30 AM Mass
A reception to follow after Mass in Marnell Hall.
Please respond to whether or not you will be attending the Mass and/or the reception by November 12 and also how many will be attending.
Please respond to:
Ruby Danganan (201) 248-5988
Mia Rubin (212) 495-9844
Dina Tarabocchia (201) 641-2988
2026 Archdiocese of Newark Annual Appeal
We Are His Witnesses: A Pastoral Letter from Cardinal Tobin
As we welcome the New Year, Cardinal Tobin invites all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Newark to read We Are His Witnesses, his pastoral letter outlining new pathways for the future of the Archdiocese. Rooted in Pope Francis’ call for pastoral conversion, missionary discipleship, and synodality, the letter reflects on our shared journey of faith and calls us to embrace renewal, collaboration and missionary outreach. This multi-year initiative will guide us in shaping a vibrant, hopeful future for our Church community.
Click to read We Are His Witnesses and join this journey of faith as we respond to Christ’s call to be His witnesses in the world.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities USA supports a national network of agencies committed to encountering those along the margins, regardless of their faith.
Want to help victims of recent hurricanes? Click on this link: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Welcome New Parishioners
Register with us by filling up this form and dropping it in the collection basket or at the Parish Office. Click on the form below to download.
Music is an extremely important part of liturgy at the Parish of St. Margaret of Cortona and we are looking for enthusiastic music lovers and musicians to join our music ministry.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
St. Margaret of Cortona’s choir sings at the 11:30 Mass every Sunday and at other liturgies throughout the year. Rehearsals are held every Thursday at 7:30 pm beginning in September and through the month of June. No experience is necessary. Let us make a joyful noise to the Lord! Call Eileen - 201-843-1097 or see her after Mass!
Jersey Catholic
Jersey Catholic is the news site of the Archdiocese of Newark and brings you top news from around the Archdiocese, our Catholic schools throughout the U.S., and the Vatican.
Visit https://jerseycatholic.org/ for the latest local and global Church news.
Donate to St. Margaret's
Here are some ways that you can help our Parish during these trying times:
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.
Step-By-Step Walk Through the Mass
Click on this link to go the website: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/blog-categories/series-on-the-mass
SCHEDULES
Mass Schedule
Saturday ~ 5:30 pm
Sunday ~ 9:00 am and 11:30 am
Weekdays:
Monday through Friday:
12:00 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
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
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: 201-322-0172
Rectory (By appointment only):
201-641-2988
Religious Education (Sunday to Thursday):
201-641-3937
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
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for November
For the proper use of wealth
Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less.
POSTER BOARD
November: A Month In Honor of the Holy Souls in Purgatory
In the Catholic Church, the month of November holds special significance as it is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. During this month, the faithful are encouraged to commemorate and pray for all who have departed from this life yet have not reached the eternal joys of Heaven. This observance springs from both scriptural roots and the deep compassion of the Church for those souls who are undergoing purification. By understanding this dedication, we can engage in meaningful prayer, sacrifices, and acts of charity that benefit both the souls in purgatory and our spiritual growth.
Biblical and Theological Foundations of Purgatory
St. Paul, in his letters, implores Christians not to “be ignorant concerning the dead,” reminding the faithful that death is not the end but a transition for those who die in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The Church teaches that purgatory is a state of purification for those who have died in a state of grace but still require purification before entering the fullness of Heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms
this belief by explaining that souls undergo a “final purification” necessary to attain the perfection required for Heaven (CCC 1030-1032). This teaching is drawn from Scripture, Tradition, and centuries of theological reflection.
Why Pray for the Souls in Purgatory?
Praying for the souls in purgatory is an act of charity, as these souls can no longer pray for themselves and depend on the prayers of the living to ease their suffering. The efficacy of our prayers, alms, and sacrifices on behalf of the Holy Souls is a testimony to the profound interconnectedness of the Church—what is known as the Communion of Saints. Our prayers assist the souls in their journey, bringing them closer to the beatific vision of God.
St. John Chrysostom emphasized the importance of these prayers: “Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them.” By praying for the deceased, we manifest our love for them and deepen our awareness of our own mortality and eternal destiny.
Ways to Help the Holy Souls in Purgatory
The Church encourages the faithful to perform specific acts during November to assist the Holy Souls, including:
Praying for the Dead: The most traditional and accessible way to help the souls is through prayer. Prayers such as the Eternal Rest Prayer (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them”) and the De Profundis (Psalm 130) are commonly recited for this purpose.
Offering Masses: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the most powerful prayer that can be offered for the dead. Attending Mass and offering it for the repose of souls in purgatory is a profound act of charity.
Almsgiving: Alms given in memory of a loved one are spiritually meritorious for both the giver and the deceased. Donations to the Church or charitable causes on behalf of the dead can also aid in their spiritual journey.
Mortifications and Sacrifices: Mortifications, such as fasting or personal sacrifices, can be offered for the release of the souls in purgatory. This act of self-denial, united with Christ’s suffering, reflects our solidarity with those undergoing purification.
Gaining Indulgences: During November, the Church grants plenary indulgences applicable to the Holy Souls. By visiting a cemetery and praying for the deceased (especially from November 1st to November 8th), the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions.
Known Prayers and Novenas for the Holy Souls
Many prayers and novenas are specifically dedicated to the souls in purgatory, such as:
The Novena for the Holy Souls: This nine-day prayer seeks God’s mercy and the intercession of saints on
behalf of the souls in purgatory.
The Rosary for the Holy Souls: Each decade of the rosary can be offered for different groups of souls, such
as forgotten souls or those most in need of prayer.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy: St. Faustina Kowalska, who had visions of purgatory, recommended this
chaplet as a means of intercession for the dead.
Stories of Intercession by the Holy Souls
The Church’s history is filled with accounts of faithful individuals who, through their devotion to the Holy
Souls, received spiritual blessings. For instance, St. Gertrude the Great had a profound devotion to the souls in
purgatory, and it is said that Christ revealed a special prayer to her for their benefit. The St. Gertrude Prayer
(“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus…”), is believed to release
many souls each time it is recited.
Another story involves St. Padre Pio, who had numerous encounters with souls from purgatory. These souls
sought his intercession, and in turn, he encouraged others to pray for them. Many have also claimed to receive
assistance from the Holy Souls, who, upon their entrance to Heaven, can pray for us and intercede in gratitude.
Insights from the Saints
The saints frequently emphasized the importance of assisting the souls in purgatory. St. Catherine of Genoa,
known for her “Treatise on Purgatory,” described purgatory as a place where souls experience immense love for
God, mingled with pain from their delayed union with Him. This description emphasizes that purgatory is not a
place of punishment per se, but of intense purification.
St. Alphonsus Liguori once said, “Those souls in purgatory do not pray for themselves, but they can pray for
us.” By praying for them, we form a spiritual bond, and upon their entry into Heaven, they intercede for our
intentions. St. Josemaría Escrivá added that helping the Holy Souls should be viewed as a “beautiful form of
charity,” reinforcing that our efforts bring joy to the entire Church.
The Month of Holy Souls as a Time of Reflection and Charity
November provides an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on mortality, eternal life, and the bonds that
transcend this earthly existence. Through our prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity, we can alleviate the
suffering of the souls in purgatory and deepen our relationship with God. Remembering our departed loved
ones, we join in a mission that stretches beyond our world, honoring the Holy Souls and inviting their future
intercession. As we do, we unite with the Communion of Saints, reinforcing the beautiful and enduring unity of
the Church on earth, in purgatory, and in Heaven.
"He has commanded his angels to keep you in all your ways; they shall bear you upon their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12
October 2nd is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Although Guardian Angels have been venerated since the early days of the Church, it wasn't until the 17th century that Pope Clement X extended the feast day to the universal Church. It comes just two days after the Feast of the Archangels Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael.
On this Feast of the Guardian Angels in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI said,
“Dear friends, the Lord is always near and active in human history, and follows us with the unique presence of His angels, that today the Church venerates as 'Guardian,' in other words those who minister God's care for every man. From the beginning until death human life is surrounded by their constant protection.”
And in a previous homily for the Feast of the Guardian Angels ~ Pope Francis has remarked,
“Ask yourself this question today: How is my relationship with my guardian angel? Do I listen to him? Do I say good morning to him in the morning? Do I ask him: Watch over me when I sleep?’ Do I speak with him? Do I ask his advice? He is by my side. We can answer this question today, each of us: how is our relationship with this angel that the Lord has sent to watch over me and accompany me on my journey, and who always sees the face of the Father who is in heaven?”
So, tell your guardian angel "Thank You" for their daily guidance, and to show gratitude to God for assigning a powerful heavenly protector for your personal care. It is also a good time to make the resolution to pray to your Guardian Angel daily as our Holy Father admonishes us.
It might be a good idea to keep a guardian angel sacramental handy to increase your devotion to your guardian angel and help you to remember to stay closely connected with them throughout the day.
Guardian Angels in the Bible
Although not a dogmatic article of the faith, it is yet a firmly established Catholic belief that each individual person has their own guardian angel assigned to watch over their soul. There are three important verses in the Catholic Bible from which this belief is drawn:
1. Psalm 90:11: "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
2. Matthew 18:10: "See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
3. Hebrews 1:14: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?"
These verses have led St. Jerome, one of our early Church Fathers and Doctors, to conclude,
"How great the dignity of the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it."
How Do Guardian Angels Work?
Many other Doctors of the Church wrote about our guardian angels, including St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, and St. Thomas Aquinas, whose metaphysical unpacking of these mysterious beings is the most thorough and authoritative.
According to Aquinas, our guardian angels have a good influence over us, but they cannot control our free will. Guardian angels influence or guide us by acting upon our intellect through our senses and our imagination. When they do this, they are influencing our will to do good and avoid evil. Their job is to help you get to heaven.
Thus guardian angels do not control us by any means, but they do greatly assist us in finding and doing God's will. Our guardian angels are also able to protect us from danger as well as assist us in prayer and meditation on the divine things of God.
The Saints on the Guardian Angels
We don't only have the Scriptures and the Doctors of the Church who tell us about our Guardian Angels. We also have the saints, some of which actually witnessed their guardian angel in action. In many cases their Guardian Angel was visible to them.
Saints who wrote about these experiences include St. Padre Pio, who could see his guardian angel would often send him on special missions; St. Faustina Kowalska, whose Guardian Angel accompanied her to observe the pains of the Holy Souls in Purgatory; and St. Gemma Galgani, to name a few.
St. Gemma Galgani wrote much about her Guardian Angel in her autobiography, including this account:
“One evening, when I was suffering more than usual, I was complaining to Jesus and telling him that I would not have prayed so much if I had known that He was not going to cure me, and I asked Him why I had to be sick this way. My angel answered me as follows: “If Jesus afflicts you in your body, it is always to purify you in your soul. Be good.”
So let us give thanks to God for these amazing ministering spirits, and be open to the ways your guardian angel is daily helping you to do God's will.
In the Liturgy of the Hours for this feast day, the Office of Readings includes a portion of a beautiful sermon on Guardian Angels by St. Bernard of Clairvoux:
“He has given his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways”. These words should fill you with respect, inspire devotion and instill confidence; respect for the presence of angels, devotion because of their loving service, and confidence because of their protection. And so the angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you, present on your behalf. They are here to protect you and to serve you.
But even if it is God who has given them this charge, we must nonetheless be grateful to them for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our great need. So let us be devoted and grateful to such great protectors; let us return their love and honor them as much as we can and should. Yet all our love and honor must go to him, for it is from him that they receive all that makes them worthy of our love and respect.
We should then, show our affection for the angels, for one day they will be our co-heirs just as here below they are our guardians and trustees appointed and set over us by the Father. . . Even though we are children and have a long, a very long and dangerous way to go, with such protectors what have we to fear? They who keep us in all our ways cannot be overpowered or led astray, much less lead us astray. They are loyal, prudent, powerful. Why then are we afraid? We have only to follow them, stay close to them, and we shall dwell under the protection of God’s heaven."
