Tag Archives: Archdiocese of Newark

The Mercy House Gives Away 500+ Backpacks, and School Supplies to Children in Need

Mercy House Director Cheryl A. Riley (right) joined staff and volunteers in handing out over 300 backpacks to families in need during The Mercy House’s annual Back-to-School Giveaway at its Newark location on August 13, 2024. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)

Ahead of the rapidly approaching school year, the Archdiocese of Newark’s Mercy House distributed over 500 new backpacks filled with school supplies during its annual Back-to-School Giveaway at locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth this month.

More than 300 backpacks were handed out in Newark on August 13, while approximately 100 were given away in both Jersey City on August 15 and Elizabeth on August 16. The backpacks came in a variety of colors, so each child went home with a design they liked. They were also stuffed with classroom essentials, from pencils to crayons to glue sticks.

“The Mercy House lives out the Catholic Church’s mission to help everyone in need. In this case, we knew families desperately needed items they couldn’t afford for the new school year, so we made sure they got everything and then some,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of The Mercy House, who credited archdiocesan parishes and a few outside organizations with donating the school supplies. “Nothing beats putting smiles on children’s faces, and that’s what we did at this giveaway.”

While picking up classroom essentials, families at the giveaway also received free cups of Italian ice, and several families won prizes raffled at each site. The donated prizes and gifts included dolls, trucks, and water toys.

Founded in 2018, The Mercy House provides nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing for anyone in need. Its three locations in Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth each serve roughly 300 people weekly. If you would like to volunteer or donate, contact Cheryl A. Riley at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house/.

AbouttheArchdiocese of Newark?

The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. The Archdiocese has 212 parishes, 67 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK ANNOUNCES PHASE TWO DIRECTIVES ALLOWING PUBLIC WEEKDAY MASSES WITH RESTRICTIONS STARTING JUNE 15

New “Welcome Back” Video Offers Guidelines on What to Expect

NEWARK â€”Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, Archbishop of Newark, announced this week that Phase Two of the Directives for Re-Opening Churches has been approved as part of the ongoing, three-phase reopening process for parishes throughout the Archdiocese.

Beginning on Monday, June 15, 2020, Archdiocesan parishes, which already have been reopened for private prayer, will now be reopened for the celebration of public weekday Masses,as well as Funerals, Baptisms, and Weddings

As part of Phase Two, the following protocols will be observed:

  • It is the responsibility and decision of each pastor to determine the process and timing for safe reopening weekday public Mass for their local parish. Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local parishes or visit their local parish website for more information.
  • Based on state public official guidelines, the maximum number of participants for public Masses, Funerals, Baptisms, and Weddings is now set at 25% of the church’s capacity or 50 participants in total, whichever is less.
  • All directives from Phase One remain in force including social distancing, wearing of facemasks, and sanitizing. 
  • Due to social distancing protocols, services should take place in church, not small chapels.
  • More information about protocols and expectations of parishes and Mass participants is available online at https://www.rcan.org/archdiocese-newark-announces-phased-reopening-churches.

The Archdiocese has produced a “Welcome Back” video, available in English and Spanish, to inform parishioners about what to expect as they prepare to return to Mass.  

“As we slowly resume public Mass, it is important that we work together to allow for a safe and dignified parish environment for all,” said Cardinal Tobin. “Out of love and respect for human life and health, let us act responsibly and adhere to the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese and our local parishes.”

Cardinal Tobin continues to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. Parishes will continue to livestream Mass so that those unable to attend may maintain a spiritual connection with their local parish.

“If you are ill or at higher risk for illness, or if attending public Mass in the current climate brings you anxiety, please be at peace and remain at home,” Cardinal Tobin said.

The Archdiocese will continue to monitor the expert guidance of public health officials and federal and state public officials, who have cautioned not to rush into reopening churches to the faithful before manageable safety protocols can be put in place. The Archdiocese remains committed to the health and wellbeing of its clergy and staff, the faithful, and the public.

Phase Three of the Directives for Re-Opening Churches is expected to commence on Sunday, June 21, 2020, and is contingent upon any further developments or guidance from health and state public officials.  Phase Three continues the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass and extends the celebration of public Mass to Sundays with the observance of all directives and protocols on social distancing, wearing of facemasks and sanitizing. This includes no more than 50% of the total seating capacity of the church permitted for a liturgy.  Additional information will be announced.

For the latest Archdiocesan news or announcements, please continue to visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s COVID-19 resource page, at www.rcan.org/covid19.

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ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK TO LIVESTREAM ANNUAL CHRISM MASS ON MONDAY, JUNE 6

Parishioners invited to join Cardinal Tobin for Mass livestream at 6pm

Newark, NJ â€“ The Archdiocese of Newark will livestream its annual Chrism Mass on Monday, June 8, 2020, at 6 p.m. from the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark with only the Auxiliary Bishops and Episcopal Vicars. 

Faithful awaiting the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation and parishioners are encouraged to participate by viewing the livestream which will be available on the Archdiocese of Newark’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/NwkArchdiocese.

The Chrism Mass is the yearly renewal of priestly promises.  Holy Oils will also be blessed for distribution to parishes at a later date.  Parishes may continue to use the Holy Oils, which were blessed in 2019, until these oils are received.

For the most up to date information and latest Archdiocesan news please continue to visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s website and COVID-19 resource page at: rcan.org/covid19 and follow the Archdiocese of Newark’s social media channels @NwkArchdiocese for archdiocesan related announcements.

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CARDINAL JOSEPH TOBIN TO CELEBRATE SUNDAY NOON MASS VIA LIVESTREAM IN OBSERVANCE OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

On Sunday, May 24, at noon, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate Mass in observance of the Ascension of the Lord via livestream from the Lady Chapel in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Parishioners are encouraged to join via livestream by going to www.rcan.org/parishsupport. Local parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Newark are also livestreaming Mass, and a full guide can be found at www.rcan.org/parish-mass-livestreams-and-more.

Although the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days has been suspended, there is an understandable urgency to livestream liturgies for the faithful. To ease the pastoral work of livestreaming during this difficult time, Cardinal Tobin has transferred the observance of the Ascension of the Lord from Thursday, May 21, to Sunday, May 24, 2020. This directive can be found at:  https://www.rcan.org/cardinal-tobin-approves-transfer-observance-ascension-lord

For the most up-to-date Archdiocese of Newark news and announcements, visit our website at www.rcan.org and follow our social media channels @NwkArchdiocese.

ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK ANNOUNCES CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND CLOSURE OF TEN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

No Schools in Hudson County Included

Difficult Decision Will Strengthen Schools, Safeguard Future of Catholic Education; Online Distance Learning Continues Through End of School Year

NEWARK, NJ â€“ The Archdiocese of Newark has announced the consolidation of its school community and the closure of nine archdiocesan-operated elementary schools at the end of this school year, the result of archdiocesan strategic planning efforts to strengthen the overall school program and ensure a sustainable future for Catholic education in the Archdiocese.  Cristo Rey Newark High School, a member of the Cristo Rey Network®, also will close due to lack of operational viability, as per a resolution adopted by the school’s Board.

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark Sets November Events to Mark a Month of Remembrance

Holy Cross Mother'd Day Banner  

Visitors express personal messages of love and remembrance on a life-sized greeting card available at Archdiocesan Catholic (photo courtesy of Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark)

Each year, Catholic Cemeteries, a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, marks November, a month of Remembrance, with events to commemorate All Saints Day (November 1), All Souls Day (November 2), and Cemetery Sunday (November 6). Observances include Masses, an inspirational concert, a symposium on coping with grief, and a unique opportunity for the bereaved to personally express themselves in tribute to departed loved ones. Continue reading Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark Sets November Events to Mark a Month of Remembrance

Memorial Mass in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Honored Deceased Archbishops, Bishops and Priests

 

Bishops
A memorial Mass was celebrated recently in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart to honor deceased Archbishops, Bishops and Priests. (Photo courtesy of Archdiocese of Newark)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 4, 2015, Newark, NJ – Catholic Cemeteries, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Newark, recently celebrated a special Mass for its deceased Archbishops, Bishops and Priests, especially those who died during the past year.

Continue reading Memorial Mass in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Honored Deceased Archbishops, Bishops and Priests

Stained-Glass Windows Find New Home at Holy Name Mausoleum In Jersey City

sacredheart_84_300_95Restored artwork preserves faith within Hudson County Community

 Thirteen stained-glass windows will be unveiled in their new home at the Holy Name Mausoleum in Jersey City on Saturday, November 6th. These artifacts, which are valued over $525,000, were removed from Saint Boniface Parish Church and have undergone a rigorous restoration, uncovering the true beauty of their nineteenth century craftsmanship.

 “These fragile artifacts represent how our community has expressed its faith over the years,” said Andrew Schafer, Executive Director, Catholic Cemeteries, Archdiocese of Newark. “While the stained-glass pieces have a significant monetary value, they hold an even stronger sacramental worth to the Catholic Church and its generation upon generation of followers in Hudson County.”

 

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