My dear Parishioners,

“’In the name of the Father…’, as the familiar words reached out among the people, all present realized that today they conveyed a unique meaning. For the first time since time itself began, the words of the Sacrifice of the Mass were being offered in a Roman Catholic Church in Pequannock, New Jersey.

The date was February 12, 1950, and for many of the more than 400 parishioners attending, it was a day of personal reward. After years of struggle and work, they had as a community family, contributed to the building of a church that was to grow with each succeeding generation…”

So was written in the 25th anniversary journal of our parish in 1975. So much has changed since

1950, but some things have remained the same. The spirit of generosity, the energy and the devotion of the good people of Holy Spirit Church continues to this day.

Why am I going down memory lane, you might ask? It is because our wonderful parish will celebrate 70 years in 2020. This is a cause for celebration! Beginning with Pentecost Sunday (June 9) we as a parish family will be celebrating a jubilee year. Throughout 2019 and 2020 there will be special lectures and parish talks for the spiritual enrichment of our dear people. It will be a year to remember our past, celebrate our present and build for our future. As I am writing this letter, I am also writing the Diocese of Paterson to conduct a capital campaign for the parish. More on this topic will follow later, once we get permission.

I ask for your prayers as we embark on this year of celebrating. It is a time to reflect on how Holy Spirit has been a part of your life and the lives of your families. We are blessed with a rich past and blessed with a promising future. Thank you for being such a big part of my life as your pastor. As I have said many times before, there is no place I would rather be.

Peace,

Fr. David

Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church 318 Newark-Pompton Turnpike

Pequannock, NJ 07440

Rev. David Monteleone Pastor

“In the Spirit” Volume 4, No. 2

March/April 2019

Holy Spirit Parish Mission Statement

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Holy Spirit Parish Mission Statement

We the people of Holy Spirit Parish are a worshipping

community, called by God, and empowered by the

Holy Spirit, sharing joyfully the Good News of

Jesus Christ’s message of love and salvation.

We offer prayer, fellowship, hospitality, service and

outreach with all who seek a relationship with Christ.

A Look Ahead….

Monday, March 11 Lenten Soup Supper/Gospel of John DVD (first of three) 6:30PM Wednesday, March 13 7:30PM Parish Council Meeting Tuesday, March 19 “The Seven Last Words of Christ” presented by Steven Kass 7:00 to 8:30PM in the church Thurs.-Sun., March 21-24 Holy Spirit School Performing Arts presentation Sunday, Mar. 24 Grains of Hope Packing Day. Sign up to represent Holy Spirit Church! Monday, March 25 Lenten Soup Supper/Gospel of John DVD (second of three) 6:30PM Saturday, March 30 Applebees Parish Fundraising Breakfast Friday, April 5 Holy Spirit School Tricky Tray Monday, April 8 Lenten Soup Supper/Gospel of John DVD (third of three) 6:30PM Tuesday, April 9 Parish Penance Service at 7:00PM April 15-21 Holy Week. See Holy Week/Triduum schedule Sat./Sunday, May 4/5 First Holy Communion Sat./Sunday, May 18/19 Second Annual Holy Spirit Garage Sale Monday, May 20 Confirmation at Holy Spirit Church

Sunday, April 14 Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Saturday—5:00PM Sunday—7:30AM, 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 7:00PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday—Daily Mass—8:30AM Thursday, April 18 7PM Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper No morning Mass

Friday, April 19 3PM Good Friday: Passion of the Lord and Veneration of the Cross 7PM Stations of the Cross No morning Mass

Saturday, April 20 8PM Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil No 5PM Mass

Sunday, April 21 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord 7:30AM 9:00AM 11:00AM No 7PM Mass

Holy Week/Triduum Schedule

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Are You Receiving Our Parish Emails?

Join the 244 (and ever increasing number of) Individuals or families who are part of our email database, and are always the first to know about what is happening in our parish! If you have not already done so, please provide your email address to be included in our database so you can be informed of parish events, mid-week deaths and funerals, Mass changes, and other items of importance.

By providing your email contact information, you can remain informed about “all things Holy Spirit”. Send your email contact information to: kimrizzo@holyspiritparishnj.org.

Catholic Schools Week: January 27—Feb. 1

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At the First Friday Mass to close Catholic Schools Week, Fr. David Monteleone, Pastor, asked the students, “What is a parable?” Following the correct response by an eighth grader that, “A parable is a story that Jesus told”, Fr. David went on to explain the parable of the mustard seed and how that tiny mustard seed can be compared to planting the seed of faith in a person. Further drawing the students into his homily, Fr. David asked, “How many of you have moms and dads or grandmas and grandpas who have a garden at home? How does the seed get into the ground?” Fr. David went on to explain, “The seed of faith is planted

in you every day. Your heart is the good soil. Our hearts have to be open to the Word of God for faith to grow within us.” He further went on to explain how St. Lucy Filippini planted the seed of Catholic education in the hearts of young women who then committed their lives as religious teachers Filippini. Fr. David concluded his talk by telling of a recent experience during a visit to Morris Catholic High School in which a theology teacher told him, “I always know a Holy Spirit School student because they are so well-versed in their faith.” Father expressed his appreciation to Sr. Marie and the teachers, also encouraging the students to “Say a prayer of thanksgiving to St. Lucy Filippini. And go home and thank mom and dad for the sacrifices they have made to give you the gift of a Catholic education.” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Echoing and expanding on Fr. David’s positive comments regarding both staff and students, Sr. Marie: remarked,

“I find that our students are our best ambassadors. Many of the people who came in to see the school during Catholic Schools Week spoke of the students who are here, how happy they are here, and how well they learn. The teachers make the school what it is, bringing forth the knowledge they need, the example they need, and our children are very receptive.”

Fr. David and the Altar Servers for the Feb. 1

School Mass

Sr. Marie Antonelli, Principal shown with preK 4 students in front of

their winter art projects displayed in the hall.

Holy Spirit School student and

graduate sell chocolate roses in

support of Holy Spirit School at St.

Joseph’s, LP.

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Enjoy Good Food, Great Fun: Support Our Church!

Find Us On Our Websites and Social Media

Check our websites regularly Holy Spirit Church www.holyspiritparishnj.org Holy Spirit School www.holyspiritschoolpequannock.org

Find us on Facebook Holy Spirit Church https://www.facebook.com/HolySpiritParishPequannock/ Holy Spirit School https://www.facebook.com/holyspiritpequannock/

Follow us on Instagram Holy Spirit Church and School HolySpiritPequannock

Ash Wednesday

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Shown at left is Fr. David Monteleone in liturgical garments for the Ash Wednesday Ash Services. The cope (known in Latin as pluviale 'rain coat' or cappa 'cape') is a liturgical vestment, more precisely a long mantle or cloak, open in front and fastened at the breast with a band or clasp. It may be of any liturgical color, and in this case is purple, which is the liturgical color for Lent. Fr. David is also wearing a bieretta, a square cap with three ridges or peaks on its upper surface, which can be worn by clergy both at solemn Mass and in other ecclesiastical functions.

New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally The 24th Annual NJ Catholic Youth Rally will be held at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, NJ on Sunday, May 19. This event is open to all families, youth groups, schools, scouting troops and you! Tickets are $50 and includes park admission, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, return ticket to the Park and parking. For additional information, please see https://www.camdendiocese.org/youth-ministries/nj-state-catholic-youth-rally. Watch for bulletin announcements and plans for a united Holy Spirit attendance/meeting at the rally!

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Hospitality Sundays Growing in Popularity!

Watch/listen for announcements of future “Hospitality Sundays”—held typically on the first Sunday of the month following the 11AM Mass. Hospitality Sundays offer an opportunity for parishioners to get to know one another, share some social time and conversation, all while enjoying coffee, tea, juice, and an assortment of bakery and home-baked treats. The popularity of “Hospitality Sundays” is growing, so bring your family and take some time to meet and greet the friendly folks who share your pew at Mass!

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Steven Kass to Present Third “Reflection” Program

Coming Soon At Holy Spirit School….

Steven Kass, Adjunct Instructor of Pastoral Theology at Seton Hall University presented “A Journey to Bethlehem with St. Matthew and St. Luke on December 4 at Holy Spirit Church. For his second program, Steven presented “Understanding the Mass”, on February 24. Photo below shows individual discussions following the presentation. The sessions have been well-attended, much-appreciated, and serve as an enrichment of our faith knowledge and experiences. Please join us on Tuesday, March 19 at 7PM for a reflection on “The Seven Last Words of Christ.”

Holy Spirit Performing Arts Program: Getting to Know ... The Sound of Music Join us as we Climb Ev'ry Mountain... Thursday, March 21st @ 10:00 AM Friday, March 22nd @ 7:00 PM Saturday, March 23rd @ 7:00 PM Sunday, March 24th @ 3:30 PM

The Altar Server Ministry...

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Shown at left are Allessia (left) and Alex (right) as they served at the Holy Mass for the first time on Sunday, February 10 at 11AM. Center is veteran server, Ashley. Below: On Sunday, March 3, Bishop Navagh Columbiettes recognized and thanked all Altar Servers from Holy Spirit, St. Josephs, and OLGC parishes for their service by presenting them with a certificate and Altar Server lapel pin. The day also included pizza, snacks, ice cream and a game of bible Jeopardy. The event was well attended and fun was had by all!!!

Shown left, with Fr. David Monteleone are the Holy Spirit Parish Altar Servers who were honored at the annual Altar Server appreciation lunch organized and provided by the Bishop Navagh Columbiettes on March 3.

Being an altar server means

serving God and his people at

Mass.

Thanks to Kenny Gertler for the photo!

Thanks to Kenny Gertler for the photo!

Annual Confirmation Retreat

On Tuesday, March 12, the first– and second-year Confirmation classes participated in the annual Confirmation retreat coordinated by Suzanne Unger, Director of Religious Education, Confirmation Program Sue Kamper, and Catechist Deirdre Walsh. The theme of this year’s retreat was “With Great Power”, and was conducted by eleven members of NET Ministries. The NET Ministries staff consists of non-married, practicing Catholics between the ages of 18-28, who have graduated High School or GED equivalent before training begins.

“With great power comes great responsibility! At Confirmation, the grace of Pentecost is unleashed and we receive greater access to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God can do incredible things with us if we are open to His action. How will your life look different when living in the power of the Holy Spirit? This theme explores the personal experience of young people who open themselves to the action of the Holy Spirit after Confirmation.” Forty-seven high school freshmen and sophomores participated in this year’s retreat.

“You will receive power when you accept the Holy Spirit.”

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Save the Date; Save Your Unwanted Items!

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Parish Life

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Mckinnley looking quite content with Fr. David as

she visited Grandma Kathy Washington at the parish

office.

Making beautiful music at the Sunday @ 7PM

Mass!

Confirmation Retreat on March 12.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Matthew 18:20

Kindergartners eager to answer Fr. David’s questions

during a school Mass.